Underwood thrilled as Illini help Timberwolves advance in NBA playoffs

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on in the NBA Playoffs thanks in large part to two former Illinois basketball players.

The T-Wolves advances to the Western Conference semifinals with a 110-98 win against the Nuggets on Thursday, winning the series in six games.

Ayo Dosunmu scored 43 points off the bench in a game four win, but Dosunmu missed game six. As Minnesota was also without starters Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr. earned his first playoff start in the series-clinching game six, scoring 24 points.

While Minnesota basketball fans are likely thrilled with this duo of former Champaign-residents, it’s unlikely many are more excited about it than Brad Underwood. The Illini head coach was in attendance for game three of the Timberwolves/Nuggets series, and will regularly credit Dosunmu and Shannon Jr. for playing large roles in the recent rise of Illinois men’s basketball.

“They’re both wonderful kids, are both great competitors,” Underwood said. “They’re part of the winning culture = helps them exist and drives them to be better. I think that’s the fun part is they enjoy that. It’s all signs positive for Minnesota if those two get to keep playing this year and years beyond.”

Both of these Illini turned Timberwolves were introduced into Illinois’ Honored Jerseys program, with a banner picturing their Illini uniform being lifted into the rafters at State Farm Center.

The Timberwolves now get ready to take on the San Antonio Spurs, with game one scheduled for Monday, May 4.Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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