The Timberwolves earned an important distinction Wednesday with a 114-108 road victory over Memphis: They won a game that could still leave an observer dissatisfied.

Watching it from the comfort of a couch, the game looked like one the Wolves expected to win over an overmatched opponent decimated by injuries. Minnesota had what looked to be an unprofessional approach at several junctures, an attitude that let the Grizzlies hang around on the strength of collecting more offensive rebounds (27) than the Wolves grabbed on the defensive end (26). Hot shooting all night saved the Wolves.

Maybe complaining about a victory is just nitpicking or even overly negative, but through a different lens, one supposes it's a sign of progress. There are enough promising pieces on this roster to expect more, even in the case of a victory.

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.