Timberwolves end 11 game losing streak with double OT win over the Kings

Gorgui Dieng (Google Images)

After a great start (winners of their first three games), the Minnesota Timberwolves were expected to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference in 2019-20. Even at the end of November, Minnesota was playing competitive basketball with a record of 10 wins and eight losses.

But things started to unravel for Minnesota at the beginning of December. On December 1, they lost 115-107 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Ten more consecutive losses followed for Minnesota, as they were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors.

Fortunately for Minnesota, their embarrassing 11 game losing streak (all to Western Conference opponents) ended on Thursday when they finally picked up a W. The Timberwolves did need double overtime, but came away with a 105-104 win over the Sacramento Kings. In the win, the Timberwolves were led by center Gorgui Dieng of Kebemer, Senegal, who had a double double. Dieng had 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead Minnesota in each category.

A major reason why the Timberwolves have struggled so much recently is because their star center Karl-Anthony Towns has not played since December 13 because of a knee injury. The return of Towns is required for Minnesota to get back into playoff contention.

Despite the 11 game losing streak and having a record of 11 wins and 19 losses, they are still only two games back of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, they have fallen to 13th place in the West, and have the San Antonio Spurs, Kings, Grizzlies and Suns between them and Portland for a playoff spot.