Ayo Dosunmu is calling for unity.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have lost back-to-back games after dropping a game 115-103 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and even though the Timberwolves are a lock for the NBA playoffs, there's still a lot to learn for the team to make a real run.
Missing Anthony Edwards for as long as they have definitely hurts the Timberwolves, but the tools are still here for them to be a serious contender that can topple even the best teams.
What's most important right now and what these final games of the season represent for the Timberwolves is a test of their toughness, their character and their togetherness.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesAyo Dosunmu isn't fazed by these last two losses and he's looking forward to the playoffs with confidence. He knows that the Timberwolves can expect Edwards back ideally in time for the playoffs and he has faith in his team.
Bringing the Team Together
What he's trying to advise the Timberwolves to do now is to now be discouraged by their recent poor results and to stick together. To him the last two games aren't simply losses, their opportunities to bond the team.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images"I think these last two games are definitely some learning points we can come together as a group... I think this is a time where we have to lean into each other," Dosunmu said (via Timberwolves). "I think this is the time where we really can come together as a group."
The energy has been high for Minnesota throughout the season. Obviously, success helps with that, but it's also reliant on good relationships in the clubhouse, which Minnesota seems to have.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesA Test of Energy
The playoffs are a test of many things, but energy and togetherness may be the biggest things. The nature of the playoffs means that every team competing is in the upper echelon of skill and talent. Beyond that, it's the intangibles that can take a team to the mountaintop.
Suffering a skid, no matter how brief, right before the end of the season isn't ideal for any team heading into the playoffs specifically because of the intangible qualities of energy and momentum that losses can generate.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) in the second half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesIn this situation, the Timberwolves can either come together, as Dosunmu said, or they can continue to sink lower and lower. Opting for the latter almost certainly means a premature exit from the playoffs while coming together can signal a turnaround and a deep run.
Whatever happens is up to the Timberwolves. Whether they come together and rise or fracture and fall, only time and playoffs will tell.