The Emirates NBA Cup (known as the In-Season Tournament in its first year) is in its third year of existence. The first two years saw the Timberwolves fall short of getting through group play to reach the quarterfinals.
This year looked like it might be different. Minnesota won its first two NBA Cup games by a combined 54 points. Unfortunately, they lost their last two Cup outings, officially eliminating them during group play once again.
Eliminated in the group stage for the third straight year
With point differential being the second tiebreaker after head-to-head, the Timberwolves looked to be in great shape.