Before the Timberwolves improved to 6-21 since Thanksgiving with a 117-87 win Sunday over Phoenix, interim coach Sam Mitchell, without provocation, mentioned his tenuous job security.
"It's not about me trying to make sure I get the job for next year," Mitchell said. "If I'm ever going to stay in this league and be a head coach, I have to show people that I understand the right things to do at difficult times."
The Wolves' tough times have been encompassed in 2016. Minnesota (13-29) had lost nine straight games dating to Dec. 30 but dispatched a scuffling Phoenix team that has lost 13 of 14 games.