Hoops Habit
Fansided

Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 10 moments of the 2018-19 NBA season

By James Grieco

BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 23, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Derrick Rose #25 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 23, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Wiggins goes supernova against OKC for Ryan Saunders’ first game

Equally as precious? Ryan Saunders, arguably. The son of the late Minnesota legend Flip Saunders, Ryan took over the team as interim head coach after Tom Thibodeau was abruptly fired on Jan 6.

While many had seen the writing on the wall that a coaching change was coming, few expected it during the season after Thibodeau survived the Jimmy Butler fiasco. For the 32-year-old Saunders, no more mature looking than he was during his days at the University of Minnesota, a trial by fire awaited.

Less than 72 hours after becoming the youngest head coach the NBA had seen in decades, Saunders needed to lead the Wolves into the hostile crowds in OKC to face a Thunder team that was hitting its stride behind legit MVP candidate Paul George. You know what happened next.

Andrew Wiggins, who has long had a close relationship with the younger Saunders, erupted (he did see the Thunder jerseys, after all) for a season-high 40 points as the Wolves edged the Thunder, 119-117.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1082868934276276224

One of the keys to Saunders’ success was always going to be Wiggins’ play, and on this night, Maple Jordan answered the call, drawing 18 free throws, collecting 10 rebounds and generally looking like the world-class athlete he is rather than a guy who needs to remind us how high he can jump.

With Butler and Thibodeau gone, the Timberwolves franchise was set to turn the corner toward a healthy environment, and Saunders, beloved by the players, fans and people around the organization, was a great choice to get that culture change started. The players bought in right away, and that OKC victory brought the team true joy, as evidenced by what happened in the locker room after the game:

https://twitter.com/KarlTowns/status/1082850331384397824

Home/Minnesota Timberwolves