The Timberwolves faced an elimination, and the players challenged the doubters

Despite a crushing defeat to the Thunder, the Timberwolves showed resilience before Game 5 and were ready to fight for a playoff spot.

Minneapolis -- The score shows that the Oklahoma City Thunder leads 128-126, but the post-game message of the Minnesota Timberwolves is completely different. This is not a surrender, it is a challenge.

The Timberwolves walked into the post-match press conference with a steady and determined determination after losing to the Thunder Monday night. They may face elimination ahead of their fifth game at Oklahoma City on Wednesday, and the Timberwolves show with a calm and confident look that they know how to fight back under pressure.

players made it clear: they are not ready to finish the season. And they have reason to believe they can extend the season.

"No other mindset," said Donte Divincenzo, whose voice carries the weight of 82 games, and it is these games that have brought them to where they are today. "If you can't win, go home. We are working hard to win another home game."

This simple truth can break all the noise. Either win on Wednesday or clear lockers on Thursday. The Timberwolves have experienced this before—not necessarily a knockout, but at a moment when everything seems to be against them. Remember that miserable defeat against the Phoenix Suns in February? Nikil Alexander Walker said coach Chris Finch gave them a chance and they ended the regular season with a record of 17-4. This reversal is not accidental; it reflects the team's ability to stay focused and overcome challenges.

"Every time we reach a compromise with each other, we always deal with it well," said Alexander Walker, who came out of the bench and scored 23 points. "We have a tough team, and I believe them." The data in the fourth game is not so much an absolute advantage as a missed opportunity. Anthony Edwards was always optimistic in the loss, pointing to the battle for possession: "They took 20 more goals than we did, but we lost 2." In other words, if the details were handled well, the series would look completely different.

These dilemmas arose from the beginning, with the Oklahoma City Thunder's physical defense disrupting the Minnesota Timberwolves' transfer of ball. “They played very fiercely,” Jaden McDaniels said after scoring 22 points, explaining how the game left the Timberwolves out of balance from the start.

Beyond statistics: The Timberwolves will not give up

, but the statistics cannot reflect this: the Timberwolves' bench once again exceeded expectations. Divinsonzo (21 points), Alexander Walker (23 points), and McDaniels all stood up - this team is not a team that is pushing forward. They are teams that fight one after another and never give up.

"They played very well," Edwards said of Divinsonzo and Alexander Walker. "Hopefully they can carry this form into the next game. We will be fine." The phrase "We will be fine" has become a signature tone for Edwards to deal with adversity. For some, it embodies a firm confidence; while others may have different opinions.

The Timberwolves were seen as being eliminated, underrated, and eliminated throughout the season. Facing the knockout round is almost for granted. They have always made a living by proving that the questioners are wrong.

"All of a year, everyone left us out," Divinsonzo said. "We don't care what the media will say. We focus on playing games by game."

Wednesday night's game will determine whether we can relegate -- or whether Minnesota's season will end with unfulfilled promises and doubts about what should have happened, like many other teams.

The Timberwolves believe they know what kind of story they are writing.