The Minnesota Timberwolves are in their 35th NBA season. Since entering the league during the 1989-1990 season, the Wolves have qualified for the playoffs twelve times, and only made it past the first round twice. The first in 2004 and the second this season. This shows that Minneapolis fans have not been spoiled for 35 years…
When we talk about the Timberwolves, the first player that comes to mind is obviously Kevin Garnett. Before winning a title with Boston, Garnett spent 12 seasons in Minnesota. He led his team to the playoffs eight straight times between 1997 and 2004, but lost in the first round seven straight times before reaching and losing the conference finals to the Lakers in 2004.
After that, the franchise experienced a down period with 17 seasons and only one appearance in the playoffs, in 2018 with Jimmy Butler and Tom Thibodeau. Since the arrival of Chris Finch in February 2021 and the draft of Anthony Edwards the previous summer, the Wolves have reached the playoffs in the last three seasons and managed to break their curse by sweeping the Suns to reach the second round for the second time in their history.
A promising future
Their fans, however, got into the habit of expecting the worst, and they were still served. After two victories in Denver to open their conference semifinal, the Wolves lost three games in a row and found themselves back against the wall at home before Game 6.
So we went to meet a few fans before the match to take the temperature.
“Obviously when you start the playoffs with six wins in a row, and if we ever lose tonight, it would be a big disappointment,” Jesse, amateur coach and present at Game 6 with his son, explained to us. “Also, if we step back and look at the entire season and remember the expectations before the season, I think everyone can be satisfied with what we accomplished because The future of the franchise is truly promising. »
“It would hurt to lose four games in a row but no matter how this season ends, there is reason to be optimistic for the future,” Zach told us, present at the match with three of his friends.
A polite and calm audience
This restraint was present in the words of other supporters with whom we spoke and it is rare enough to be underlined. Local fans generally have irrational faith in their team, but in Minnesota the franchise's history seems to temper supporters' ambitions. There are also two other explanations.
The first is cultural. The people of this region are often described as reserved, well-mannered, and as courteous as possible. These character traits gave rise to the phrase “Minnesota Nice.” The fans we spoke with agreed with this cliché perfectly!
The second explanation is to be found on the side of Denver. At the time of our visit to Target Center, the Nuggets had just won Game 5 behind an incredible performance from Nikola Jokic. Wolves fans couldn't have been more admiring of the three-time MVP and reigning champions. Despite wanting to see their team win Game 6, we felt they were divided on Rudy Gobert and Minnesota's chances of slowing down Jokic.
“He was already at this level during the playoffs last season. He's the best player in the world, he can score 40 points but also find his teammates, no one can stop him…” Austin sighed. “Honestly, our best hope is probably to bring ten horses into the room and have them trot around the field to distract “Joker”. »
Despite Nikola Jokic's performance, these fans had nothing bad to say about Rudy Gobert, quite the contrary. “He's a dominating defender, he plays hard throughout the game, he sets great screens, he's an intense rebounder, it changes us to have a player like that with us,” described Jesse.
From the Prince to “warm up” the room
And even when we were pointed out the Frenchman's limitations in attack, it was in a respectful manner. “ Even when he was at Utah, his offensive contribution was not extraordinary but it is not his role to score 20 points per game or create his own shot. We have other players who can do that. And when you see the work Rudy does game after game, instead of just seeing him play once or twice when he wasn't a Minnesota player, you realize his impact. It is really impressive. »
It was therefore without overflowing hope but nevertheless determined to support their team that the Wolves fans approached this Game 6. In a decisive match, this paradox was also present in the room during the interval.
While playoff games are often described in warlike terms, it was the unique and funky instrumental of “When Doves Cry” by Prince, the legendary artist from Minneapolis, that accompanied the players onto the field. For a moment, you wonder if the Wolves are going to perform a choreography rather than 48 minutes played.
That evening, the Wolves made short work of the Nuggets, winning by 45 points and sending the entire Target Center into jubilation. After everything these fans have been through over the years, they just want to enjoy the moment, without asking too much.
The Nuggets as models for the Wolves
Deep down, they know their team is capable of beating the Nuggets. They have done it authoritatively three times already. No matter if the Wolves win or lose Game 7, their fans can finally be proud of their team.
“This is the second time in our history that we have passed the first round. We were all very young in 2004 when they first did it, and it’s nice to be able to experience that,” described Devin, the last member of the group of friends with whom we interacted.
And if it is possible, without obviously wanting to disturb, they hope that this team, step by step, can redefine the reputation of this franchise.
“We reached the playoffs last season. Second round this year. It's a bit like the Denver Nuggets. They built their success slowly until their title last season. We're trying to build the same thing here. »
Comments collected in Minneapolis.
