NBA: Are the Timberwolves playoff-bound for the first time in 3 years?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a unique position to make a run in the Western Conference this season. The Timberwolves are currently 16-18, 9th place in the conference. The team is only one game out of the 6th seed, only trailing the Clippers, Lakers and Mavericks. The T-Wolves own impressive wins over the Bucks, Heat, Nuggets, 76ers, and Lakers. The four teams listed above all made the playoffs last year, with the Bucks winning an NBA championship for the first time since 1971.

Every T-Wolves fan has seen most of their potential championship hopes go out the door over the years. First with the former #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins. Then in 2017, the team seemed destined to make that championship run with Jimmy Butler as their best player, Wiggins as Robin and Karl-Anthony Towns as the glue that puts it all together. Despite the talent on the roster, that dream nearly became reality. Now, there's a new breath of fresh air within the organization.

The team seems hungry and better than ever, led by reigning Rookie of the Year runner-up Anthony Edwards, and All-Star caliber big-man in Towns. The young-rising duo is one of the best in the league with Edwards averaging 22.1 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 43.4% from the field, and Towns averaging 24.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 51% from the field. Towns has a legit case for the best big man in the league after Nikola Jokic.

Edwards has also proven that his success as a rookie last year was no fluke. Can this regular success translate to playoff success? Can this young squad gel enough before the playoffs? These are questions we all have. However, this team is showing grit, hunger, and determination more than we've seen in the past. They recently went on a 4-game win streak with no signs of slowing down. It's safe to say the Timberwolves' future is here and here to stay.

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Photo Credit: Pine Journal.