Minnesota Timberwolves · Franchise era 2 of 6
The KG years: the Minnesota Timberwolves story
Franchise era
1995–96—2003–04
The KG years
Minnesota Timberwolves
The story in one sentence
Garnett turned Minnesota into a yearly playoff team, won MVP and finally reached the conference finals with a veteran supporting cast.
Eight straight playoffs and a 2004 breakthrough
Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the final garnett seasons.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1995–96
What came before
The Timberwolves struggled through six losing seasons before a landmark draft delivered the player who changed the franchise.
2003
Western Conference First Round: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers
2004
Western Conference Semifinals: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Sacramento Kings
2004
Western Conference Finals: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers
After 2003–04
What came next
Contract pressure and failed roster moves dismantled the 2004 team, eventually forcing the franchise's defining star to Boston.
The core