These are the losses that sting — that can quickly become losing streaks that send seasons spiraling out of control.
Some might say the Timberwolves, winners of just three of their first 12 games and only one of the most recent 10 in that span, were venturing into that territory even before Wednesday's debacle of a finish against an utterly average and shorthanded Orlando team that had lost its previous six games.
But the circumstances of this 97-96 loss at Target Center will test a team in new ways.
Last year's Wolves suffered a similar gut punch of a loss: when Chris Paul used an untucked jersey to steal a point, when Karl-Anthony Towns accidentally made a free throw he wanted to miss, letting the Thunder improbably tie the game and win in overtime. Minnesota was 10-10 entering that game. They were 10-19 before they won again, and 19-45 when the season was halted.
So what exactly happened Wednesday? Total closeout failure.
*Malik Beasley made a three-pointer with 6:33 left to give the Wolves a 91-78 lead. But they didn't score again until 1:24 remained — a span of more than 5 minutes that let Orlando claw back within 93-89. The stretch underscored again the offensive challenges for the Wolves so far this season whenever Karl-Anthony Towns — out after testing positive for COVID last week — is not on the floor.
*Still, the Wolves led 96-91 after a nice Jordan McLaughlin pass set up Naz Reid for a dunk with 50.1 seconds left. They were basically in the territory when one defensive stop would mean a win, and the defense had been an asset most of the night. But on the next Magic possession, two Wolves players chased James Ennis III under the basket, leaving Cole Anthony wide open for a three that he drained. That's a big no-no. Give up two but never three in that situation.
*It only got worse. Beasley missed a shot on the next Wolves possession, and Minnesota actually got a break when Reid wasn't called for a foul after clobbering Aaron Gordon while going for the rebound — which could have given the Magic two free throws and a chance to tie.