The Minnesota Timberwolves are making noise in the NBA Playoffs, and they’re doing it with a distinct Fighting Illini flavor. This week, the Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference semifinals with a commanding 110-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets, closing out the series in six games and sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

While the team’s success is a team effort, the contributions from two former Illinois standouts have been nothing short of spectacular. In a pivotal Game 4 win, guard Ayo Dosunmu erupted for 43 points off the bench, showcasing the scoring punch that made him a fan favorite in Champaign. Though Dosunmu was sidelined for Game 6, the Timberwolves found another hero in Terrence Shannon Jr., who stepped up in his first career playoff start. With Minnesota missing stars Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, Shannon Jr. poured in 24 points, proving the Illini pipeline is alive and well in the NBA.

Few people are more thrilled about this duo’s success than Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. A fixture at Timberwolves games—including Game 3 of the series—Underwood has been quick to credit Dosunmu and Shannon Jr. for their role in elevating Illinois basketball to new heights. “They’re both wonderful kids, are both great competitors,” Underwood said. “They’re part of a winning culture that 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.”

The bond between these players and their college program runs deep. Both Dosunmu and Shannon Jr. have been inducted into Illinois’ Honored Jerseys program, with their banners now hanging proudly in the rafters at State Farm Center—a fitting tribute to the impact they’ve had on and off the court.

Now, the Timberwolves set their sights on the San Antonio Spurs, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday, May 4. As the playoffs heat up, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo to see if they can keep the Illini magic alive.