When it comes to the balance of power in the NBA this season, it is pretty clear that three teams stand alone at the top of the food chain. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending champion Boston Celtics have all established themselves as the most consistent squads in the league in 2024-25. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves are working to reach their level.
The chances of becoming an NBA champion all hinge on one crucial metric - the "40 wins before 20 losses" rule. Famously proposed by Phil Jackson, he once stated that if a team could achieve 40 wins before incurring 20 losses they could be considered as a real threat to win a championship. All three of these teams fit in that category, and so beating any of them this season should be considered a signature victory.
That is why the Timberwolves' two wins over the Thunder from February loom so large when we talk about big victories on their resume. Obviously, the second of the two was historic given the margin Minnesota overcame to earn the win. But to put both those wins in perspective, we should look at how Oklahoma City has been performing in the games since then.
Minnesota's 2 wins over OKC are their only 2 losses since January
Furthermore, let's look before those two Wolves wins as well, shall we? If we go back to the end of January, the Thunder's only two losses on their schedule since Jan. 29 have come to Minnesota. Yes, you read that correctly. Heading into Monday night's matchup with the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City is 16-2 overall since their late January loss to the Golden State Warriors. Both losses came at the hands of Anthony Edwards and your Minnesota Timberwolves.
When we put it in this context, these wins look that much more impressive. It is hardly a surprise, as the Wolves have the talent to compete with these kinds of top-tier teams. Chris Finch and his staff, along with the roster of players were all dealt a tough hand at the beginning of this season. But they have been working to maximize their potential, and the two wins over OKC are proof they are making progress.
As we know, anything can happen in the playoffs. The Timberwolves are uniquely equipped to give a team like the Thunder a tough time, and a matchup between these two squads in April or May would certainly be a treat.