Julius Randle talks about the Timberwolves’ disturbing trend

After thirteen games, the Timberwolves have a record of 8-5. It may be too early to fully look at the standings, but they are tied with the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. On Saturday, they saw their four-game winning streak come to an end when they were defeated 123-112 by the Nuggets. That loss simply continued the troubling trend of the Wolves being unable to beat a team with a winning record.

Timberwolves now 0-5 against winning teams

It was a close game for much of Saturday, with Denver holding just a two-point lead through three quarters. The Nuggets defeated Minnesota 36-26, but in the final stanza, to secure the 12-point victory. The disappointing thing for the Timberwolves is that a two-point lead ballooned to eight in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter while three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was resting.

With the loss, the Timberwolves are now 0-5 against teams with winning records. Their 8-5 record is a bit misleading as it conflicts with an early schedule that featured many undersized teams.

Randle spoke to the media after the game and said the team has yet to record a win against a team that is over .500.

“The NBA is the NBA, this is the toughest league as long as I’ve been in it, Randle said. Normally we play well in big games, but this year we haven’t been able to do that so far. If I know anything about this team, we’ll adjust and make corrections so we’re ready for those moments in the future.”

It was a golden opportunity for Minnesota to get that first win against a good team, as the Nuggets were down two starters: Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson. The Timberwolves’ five losses this season have come to 10-2 Nuggets (twice), 10-4 Lakers (twice) and 8-4 Knicks.

They have one win against a .500 team when they defeated the 6-6 Trail Blazers in the season opener. Otherwise, Minnesota’s other seven wins have come against the 1-12 Pacers, 4-9 Hornets, 1-11 Nets, 4-8 Jazz (twice) and 3-10 Kings (twice).

Next two games against teams that are struggling

The Timberwolves’ next chance to finally beat a team with a winning record is on November 21. They will face a surprising Suns team that is 8-5 and has won its last five games.

Before that, Minnesota has two more chances to increase its win total against teams that got off to a rough start. On Monday and Wednesday they will be at the Target Center to take on the 3-10 Mavericks and the 1-11 Wizards.

It seemed like many in the media doubted the Timberwolves before the season started, despite having played in back-to-back conference finals. Those doubts remain because of their performances against the better teams.