The Minnesota Timberwolves made headlines for all the wrong reasons on Thursday night. After blitzing the Memphis Grizzlies to start Game 3, the Wolves allowed their opponents to come back from a 26-point deficit in sensational fashion.

Charles Barkley wasn't happy at all with Minnesota's performance and the Hall of Famer did not hold back with his unfiltered criticism:

“That was embarrassing for basketball,” Barkley stated. “Minnesota should just [as] embarrassed as their players.”

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
3 players Minnesota Timberwolves must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) holds onto the ball next to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
3 best players Minnesota Timberwolves must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) practices
Timberwolves president’s bold Anthony Edwards prediction after WCF eliminationJedd Pagaduan ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Did Timberwolves’ Tim Connelly drop hint at potential Kevin Durant trade?Malik Brown ·
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly answers questions at a press conference to introduce the 2022 draft picks at Target Center.
Tim Connelly confirms Timberwolves future despite potential departure rumorsTroy Finnegan ·
timberwolves, anthony edwards, kevin durant, timberwolves trade
3 trades Minnesota Timberwolves must make to win 2026 NBA title with Anthony EdwardsGarrett Kerman ·

Well, Sir Charles isn't wrong here. After building up such a huge lead — and with Ja Morant uncharacteristically playing poorly — this game was for the Timberwolves to lose. And that's exactly what they did.

There's no denying that Minnesota is deflated right now, and rightfully so. However, they need to pick themselves back up again after this demoralizing loss. They may have lost two straight but this series is far from over.

The Timberwolves enter Game 4 down 2-1 in the series but they still have home-court advantage. Nevertheless, you have to say that the pressure will be on them to tie this series up. Another loss could spell the end of their season.

*Watch the NBA Playoffs LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*