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Memory Lane: Timberwolves host first home playoff game

By Ali Siddiqui

Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Twenty years ago this week, the Timberwolves hosted the Houston Rockets in the first ever playoff home game in franchise history.

It was 20 years ago this past Saturday when the Minnesota Timberwolves played in their first ever playoff home game. While they lost the game by a score of 125-120 and the series 3-0 to the Houston Rockets, it is a moment that will never be forgotten.

That night, Matt Maloney led the Rockets with 26 points. Hakeem Olajuwon chipped in 19 points and 11 rebounds. Charles Barkley had 20 points and Clyde Drexler had 17.

Led by Tom Gugliotta, Kevin Garnett and rookie Stephon Marbury, the Wolves went a franchise-best 40-42 and made it to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Their previous best record was just 29-53 in 1990-1991, which was also the second year of the franchise. Minnesota had gone 26-56 in 1995-1996.

Gugliotta led the Wolves in that game with 27 points. Dean Garrett (remember him?) had 26 points and 15 rebounds. Garnett had 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Marbury had 14 points and 13 assists.

I attended that game and the Target Center was absolutely electric. Even Hulk Hogan was there and got the crowd fired up before the game.

Despite that loss, the franchise looked to have a positive future going forward. The next season, the Timberwolves went 45-37 and lost 3-2 in the first round to the Seattle Supersonics, despite Gugliotta missing 41 games and the playoffs due to an ankle injury.

After the season, however, Gugliotta left the Wolves in free agency for the Phoenix Suns and Marbury later forced a trade to the New Jersey Nets. Their trio looked like they were going to bring great things down the road for this franchise, but unfortunately that did not happen.

Gugliotta reportedly had issues with Marbury, and Marbury did not like being the #2 guy behind Garnett — on the court or on the payroll.

Behind Garnett, the Wolves made it to the playoffs five consecutive times, but lost in the first round each time. In 2004, they made it to the Western Conference Finals with Garnett, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell, but have not been back to the playoffs since.

Next: Top-20 Timberwolves Draft Picks of All-Time

Heading into the 2017-18 season, the Wolves have a great young core in Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Karl-Anthony Towns. First, they have to win. And then, the big question is whether or not they will be able to keep them all together.

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