Back to the Future: The 2003-04 NBA

MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS – MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS – MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched the playoffs for the first time since May 31st, 2004 – Dunking at Wolves felt it necessary that media and fans alike remember how long it’s been since the last Wolves playoff appearance.

This piece will run through the top ten topics (ranked in order of preference) that were happening in the NBA world during the 2003-04 year. The main point in doing this is to exemplify how incredible a Wolves playoff appearance is in terms of the history of the NBA. If you would like to read about other historically bad playoff droughts like the 13 year gap for the Timberwolves, click here.

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t made the playoffs since the 2003-04 NBA season, in which the Wolves were the 1st seed in the western conference.

More from Dunking with Wolves

Unfortunately, the 2017-18 Timberwolves have had one of the more volatile seasons of their infamous history, albeit the hopeful – now certain – opportunity for playoff berth.

VIA FiveThirtyEight, there was an 85% chance that the Minnesota Timberwolves would make the playoffs and finish the season with a record of 46-36 (most wins since the ’03-’04 season). Luckily, with the win against the Denver Nuggets tonight, the Timberwolves have opened the playoff door for the first time in almost a decade and a half.

Stick with me here, warning, you may get a feeling that you’re old – no comment.