MINNEAPOLIS—NBA rosters are ephemeral, constructed knowing change via improvement or implosion is perpetually around the corner. Few franchises understand this more than the Timberwolves. But despite getting eliminated from the postseason on Friday night by the Grizzlies, 114–106, after another fourth-quarter letdown in Game 6, Minnesota appears to be at the dawn of a new day.
Their first taste of playoff basketball since 2018 was an invaluable collective experience that should pay dividends down the line. Sustainability can (finally) follow. In defeat, this team has a better grasp of who they are and what they need to do to take another step forward, all knowing a solid—if not spectacular—foundation is already in place.