Minnesota Timberwolves fans have seen their fair share of heartbreak over the years — but that hasn’t stopped one diehard supporter from putting his belief in ink.
As the Timberwolves look to even the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a fan named Nate Samuelson has already declared victory — literally tattooing the 2025 NBA Championship trophy on his thigh.
A Championship Tattoo in May?
On FOX 9 Morning News at 7, tattoo artists JC Stroebel and Jesse George of Beloved Studios in Roseville showed off a growing trend among Timberwolves fans. The studio, which made headlines last year with $20 “Naz Reid” tattoos, has now become the unofficial headquarters for Wolves ink.
Fans are lining up to get everything from Anthony Edwards tributes to inside jokes like “Julius Randle” tattoos. But Samuelson may take the crown for boldest piece yet: a detailed Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with “2025” proudly etched underneath — months before the NBA Finals have even begun.
“We’ll be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy,” Samuelson told FOX 9. “I’ve gotten some pretty negative comments about the tattoo, but I have faith in the team.”
The Wolves Strike Back
Samuelson’s optimism got a shot of validation on Sunday night as the Timberwolves bounced back in a big way. After a tough road trip, Minnesota returned home with purpose. Anthony Edwards lit up the scoreboard with 30 points, Julius Randle added 24, and five other Wolves players hit double digits in a 143–101 demolition of the Thunder.
Now trailing 2–1 in the series, Minnesota has a golden opportunity to tie things up in Game 4 at the Target Center on Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST, with coverage airing on ESPN.
Ink, Identity, and Unshakable Belief
For fans like Samuelson, tattoos are more than just art — they’re an expression of identity, pride, and in this case, unshakable belief. Whether the Wolves ultimately make good on his early prediction remains to be seen. But for now, Samuelson and hundreds of other inked fans are riding the wave of a playoff run that has the entire state buzzing.
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