The Minnesota Timberwolves got their first road win of the season against a Western Conference team Sunday night when they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a team outing at Topgolf on Saturday organized by Karl-Anthony Towns might have played a big role in the win.
The Timberwolves' players had a team-bonding event at Topgolf on Saturday, an outing the players said was very important just to relax, communicate and take their minds off of basketball.
It's been a crazy season in Minnesota so far. The Jimmy Butler trade rocked the organization and players at the beginning of the season. After the trade took place, the team started playing really well, but they have come back down to earth recently.
That's why the win on Sunday against a really good Thunder team was huge for the Timberwolves.
Via Christopher Hine of the Star Tribune:
But the team outing at Topgolf in Oklahoma City was worth more than a few laughs to the Wolves. After their 114-112 win over the Thunder on Sunday night, multiple players said the previous night had been an important one for team bonding.
You got to be able to communicate, talk about what we need to do better but just kick back,” Taj Gibson said. “It was everybody just understanding, putting in their two pieces to the puzzle and trying to relate to one another. I felt it was great.”
One staffer said Karl-Anthony Towns was the driving force behind organizing Saturday night’s outing. The time for these kinds of events is minimal, but they’re essential, Robert Covington said, adding that the 76ers, his previous team, held regular events like the one at Topgolf.
Andrew Wiggins had his best game of the season. The former No. 1 overall pick scored 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting in the win. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 18 points and dished out six assists. The two max players had to play special for the team to win because Derrick Rose was out with an ankle injury.
The Timberwolves are 15-18 on the season, 13th place in the Western Conference.
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