Throwback Thursday

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The Wolves play the Celtics on Saturday, so in honor of the most important day of the week let’s take a look at an iconic Timberwolves player doing an incredible thing against that same team…

That’s right, it’s Throwback Thursday!

On March 22, 2000, Kevin Garnett was getting ready to play the Celtics. He’d had a phenomenal first couple years but there was something missing—he’d never scored more than 40 points in a game. He’d come close, he’d broken the 30-point mark many times, but that big 4-0 remained elusive. Not for long. 

Garnett went out on that Wednesday night in Boston and balled out, finally reaching the 40-point mark on 16-for-23 shooting and adding eight rebounds. Thanks to a strong supporting effort Malik Sealy and 16 points off the bench from Anthony Peeler the Wolves also got the win, putting the cherry on top of Garnett’s career night. 

His 40-piece against the Celtics would end up being the third-highest scoring outing of Garnett’s career. He scored 47 points in 2005 and 44 in 2007, both against the Phoenix Suns, interestingly enough.  

Garnett was known during his time in the league for far more than his scoring, but don’t ever forget that he could put the ball in the hoop when he wanted to. 

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Toyota Throwback Thursday | KG Puts Up 40 For 1st Time In Career

A day after Derrick Rose went off for a career-high 50 points against the Jazz on Wednesday night, we thought it’d be fitting to do a little throwback of Rose from last season.

On April 21, 2018, the Wolves took down the Rockets 121-105 at Target Center in Game 3 in the first round of the playoffs. It was Minnesota’s first playoff win since May 29, 2004.

Rose was absolutely fantastic for the Wolves off the bench, finishing with 17 points, two assists and two steals. He shot an efficient 8-for-16 from the field and 1-for-2 from the 3-point line. He was a +13, a mark that ranked second on the team.

When Rose signed with the Wolves, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. It turns out, his performances in the playoffs last season (13.2 PPG, 50.9% from the field, 70% from deep) are just the beginning to his contributions in Minnesota.

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Toyota Throwback Thursday | Rose Helps Lead Wolves To 1st Playoff Win Since 2004

A little throwback to the Timberwolves’ home opener from the 2001-02 season.

The Wolves hosted the 76ers on Oct. 30, 2001 in front of a packed Target Center. 

If you’re a fan of defense over offense, well, let me tell you . . . I've got a game for you. 

The Wolves beat the 76ers 83-74, large in part to outscoring the 76ers 29-10 in the second quarter. The 76ers shot a miserable 37.5 percent from the field.

Minnesota’s leading scorer came off the bench. Chauncey Billups erupted for 22 points, shooting 8-for-14 from the field, 2-for-4 from the 3-point line and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Joe Smith added 15 points and eight boards. KG wasn’t at his best, but still had an all-around game, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals. Wally Szczerbiak rounded things out with 12 points and five boards. 

Allen Iverson scored . . . no points, because he did not play due to injury. Speedy Claxton led the 76ers with 20 points. 

That was win No. 1 of 50 for the Timberwolves that season. In fact, Minnesota won its first six games of the season and nine of the first 10.

The Wolves play their home opener on Friday night against another Eastern Conference team. This time, 17 years later, it will be the Cleveland Cavaliers. Speedy Claxton, unfortunately, does not play for the Cavaliers. 

You can get tickets to watch the Wolves host Kevin Love and the Cavaliers here.

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Toyota Throwback Thursday | Wolves Beat 76ers In Home Opener

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