It took eight seasons and a succession of general managers and coaches. So many losses.
But on this night, the future looked extremely bright.
On April 10, 1997, the Timberwolves were in the process of finishing off a 108-96 victory in Los Angeles over the Clippers.
According to Steve Aschburner's description in the Star Tribune the next day, with less than two minutes left and the game in hand, Stephon Marbury smiled, clenched his fists and "hissed a quiet 'Yes.' "
When the final buzzer sounded, Marbury jumped into Kevin Garnett's arms, then they both shared a hug with veteran Doug West — who had been there since the beginning.