The Minnesota Timberwolves have now won eight of their last nine games and are back to being the third seed in the Western Conference standings. They've been through a lot this season, but this team is still looking like as dangerous a squad as anyone else in the West. 

After the Wolves' win over the Toronto Raptors at Target Center on Thursday night, Anthony Edwards spoke with the assembled media in the locker room. When asked about how he was fueled by having fun, Ant gave a telling answer. 

"I think it keeps me engaged in the game, on and off the court," Edwards said. "Because like, I'm a family guy. So if I feel like we're family, then I'm always going to be having the best time of my life. And that's how I feel right now, and we're super connected."

That statement certainly lines up with how Minnesota has been performing as of late. You always want your superstar to be in an environment where he feels comfortable and feels like himself, and it seems that's exactly what the Timberwolves have curated. 

"And it's translating," Edwards continued. "We don't mind sharing the ball, we don't mind making the extra pass. Especially myself. Like, I'll give up an open shot to get another open shot." 

One reporter noted that this was what had been stated during the preseason as a goal the team had. Edwards acknowledged this to be the case, stating that it took them a bit to get to this point, but they're undoubtedly coming along. 

Ant also noted the importance of having several connectors on this team that allow the Timberwolves to play the style of basketball they want to. He stated the importance of keeping Mike Conley, as well as acquiring Kyle Anderson and Ayo Dosunmu. 

Fit is such an important X-factor when building an NBA roster, and it's safe to say Tim Connelly understood the assignment once again. Bringing Mike Conley back shortly after shipping him out was an obvious move from the perspective of having a veteran leader who has seen so much in his career. 

Much of the same applies to Kyle Anderson. Slo-Mo had been missed over the course of the last season and a half in Minnesota, and getting his high intellect back in the locker room will level the Wolves up in a way that can't always be quantified in a box score. 

Edwards said that part of Dosunmu's value comes from the fact that he talks to everyone. Having another strong communicator that knows their role and is a ceiling-raiser on the hardwood only strengthens the Wolves' chances this season. 

Minnesota has all the makings of a team that peaks at the right time. A superstar who feels right at home and a roster built around connectors rather than just talent is a formula that will have a high chance of succeeding come April and May.