March 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) celebrate after hitting a shot in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Image The mood in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ locker room is as positive as it has been all season. The challenge now for the team is to keep the good times going as the playoffs approach.
Minnesota will look to extend its five-game winning streak to Saturday afternoon’s game against the Orlando Magic in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves haven’t lost since Feb. 22, and coach Chris Finch said the team’s joy is a byproduct of recent success on the court.
Finch shared the sentiments of his boss, Timberwolves executive Tim Connelly.
“There are no unhappy wins at the moment,” Finch said, paraphrasing his conversation with Connelly. “If you didn’t play well or didn’t get your chance, or maybe you didn’t get this or that. You had a tough night, be happy with the win and move on. … That’s what we keep preaching: There are no unhappy wins here.”
The results speak for themselves. Minnesota’s five-game winning streak also includes wins over the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors.
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert praised his teammates for their resolute defense.
“When we play with that kind of edge, it’s a lot of fun. It’s scary,” Gobert said. “I think that’s true. I think this is a team that aspires to bigger things.”
Orlando also wants to continue their winning streak. The Magic have posted back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks to move their five games above .500.
Against Dallas, Wendell Carter Jr. hit the go-ahead dunk with 1.4 seconds left.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said late baskets proved that every minute of each game counts.
“We’ve made some mistakes before, so I think there are lessons to be learned from this,” Mosley said. “But that’s the beauty of the game, you have to play it for 48 minutes and I think if we have anything to say about the game it should be that.
“No matter what happens in the game, we play for 48 minutes…. I think that’s a big part of who we are, to keep playing until the end. This is a run game, so the drive is to keep playing for 48 minutes no matter what happens in the game.”
Paolo Banchero leads the Magic with 22.0 points per game on 45.8% shooting. Franz Wagner is the second leading scorer but is out with an ankle sprain, and Desmond Bain is third with 20.2 points per game on 48.5% shooting.
Anthony Edwards is the Timberwolves’ top scorer with 29.5 points per game on 49.5% shooting. Julius Randle (21.5 points per game) and Jaden McDaniels (15.1 points) are close behind.
Ayo Dosunmu looks to take another leap forward in his 11th game since joining Minnesota. The former Chicago Bull is averaging 11.6 points per game with his new team.
“I’m trying to get better every game,” Dosunmu said. “I know it’s not going to happen in one game. It’s going to take some time. But I’m learning with each game and I’m getting more comfortable and having fun. I think the team is too.”
–Field level media
