The Minnesota Timberwolves’ recent history has been quite eventful, particularly after years of struggle. Here’s a summary of their playoff journey:
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2004-2021 Drought: The Timberwolves made the playoffs only once during this period, in the 2017-18 season.
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2017-18 Playoff Appearance: Led by Jimmy Butler, they secured their playoff spot by defeating the Denver Nuggets in an intense overtime match on the final day of the regular season, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Houston Rockets.
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Post-2018 Absence: Following their brief playoff stint, the Timberwolves missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
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2022 Comeback: A significant turnaround occurred in 2022 when they won the Play-In game against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking their return to the postseason. A memorable moment from this game was Patrick Beverley’s exuberant celebration.
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Culture Shift: Beverley, who played only one season with the team, claimed he played a pivotal role in changing the team culture. His leadership and experience were valuable to the developing players.
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Recent Success: The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals in both 2024 and 2025, indicating progress and a newfound consistency, despite only winning one game in each series.
Overall, Beverley’s influence as a seasoned veteran may have laid the groundwork for the Timberwolves’ ongoing success, particularly supporting younger talents like Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.