2. MVP! MVP! MVP!
The 2003-04 season was magical for many reasons for the Timberwolves and their fans, and Garnett’s Most Valuable Player award is certainly high on that list.
It’s hard to understate just how awesome Garnett was throughout the 2003-04 campaign. But we’re going to try to put it into words.
Garnett played in all 82 games (one of six consecutive seasons in which KG played in at least 81 games) and averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game. He shot 49.9 percent from the field and 79.1 percent from the free throw line.
Garnett led the league in total rebounds, finishing with 1,139 — a full 133 rebounds ahead of Detroit’s Ben Wallace, who finished in second-place. KG also led the league in points, defensive rebounds, field goals attempted and made, and 2-point shots attempted and made. Somewhat surprisingly, he was still only No. 8 in the league in usage, even ranking behind rival big man Tim Duncan.
Garnett also ranked in the top 20 in blocks (9th), steals (19th), free throws made (13th), offensive rebounds (10th), and minutes played (4th).
As for the advanced metrics, Garnett placed No. 2 in both offensive win shares and defensive win shares, easily making him No. 1 overall in win shares on the season. He also led the way in box plus-minus and was No. 3 in defensive rating.
No matter how you slice it, Garnett was otherworldly in 2003-04. And it was almost enough to get the Wolves to the Finals…