No place like Dome: 30 years since the Timberwolves' debut

On October 18, 1989, the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves played their first-ever preseason game at the Metrodome. That moment marked the Twin Cities' return as an NBA market after nearly three decades away, following the Lakers' relocation to Los Angeles. (Photo by Brian Peterson/Star Tribune) 
October 17, 2019 — 4:49pm

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard David Rivers, second from left, high-fives Tod Murphy as Sidney Lowe, right , claps before the Wolves played the Los Angeles Lakers during an exhibition NBA basketball game against on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Brian Peterson

Fans watch as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves during an exhibition NBA basketball game against on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Bruce Bisping

Fans wait for autographs from Minnesota Timberwolves players Scott Roth and Brad Lohaus before an exhibition basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18, 1989.

Marlin Levison

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tod Murphy vies for control of the ball against Denver Nuggets center Blair Rasmussen (41) during the Wolves last home game on April 17, 1990 at the Metrodome.

Brian Peterson

Boston Celtics forward Kevin McHale (32) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves Tod Murphy as Celtics teammate Larry Bird (33) looks on during their NBA basketball game at the Metrodome on February 2, 1990. The Wolves won, 116-105.

Brian Peterson

Dancers perform during an NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves on November 10, 1989 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Wolves won their first ever NBA game, 125-118 in overtime.

John Croft

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Bill Musselman looks down as Wolves guard Sidney Lowe crashes near the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 10, 1989 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Wolves won their first ever NBA game, 125-118 in overtime. Pictured in back is play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan.

John Croft

Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Tom Thibodeau watches from the bench as the Wolves play the Los Angeles Lakers during an exhibition game on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Brian Peterson

Fans watch as the Los Angeles Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves during an exhibition NBA basketball game against on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Bruce Bisping

Minnesota Timberwolves players, Sidney Lowe, Sam Mitchell, Tod Murphy and Pooh Richardson before the Wolves played the Los Angeles Lakers during an exhibition NBA basketball game against on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Bruce Bisping

Philadelphia 76ers small forward Charles Barkley controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves' Tod Murphy (4) and Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Tony Campell (19) on November 10, 1989 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Wolves won their first ever NBA game, 125-118 in overtime.

John Croft

Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Tyrone Corbin (23) reacts near teammates Sidney Lowe (35) and Tod Murphy (4) after the Wolves won their first ever NBA game on Friday, November 10, 1989 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Former 76ers great Charles Barkley (back left) walks away with the ball after the 125-118 overtime game at the Metrodome.

John Croft

Minnesota Timberwolves' Pooh Richardson eluded Denver Nuggets guard Fat Lever on a drive to the basket in the first half during their game on April 17, 1990.

Brian Peterson

Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley looks on as the Lakers play an exhibition NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Bruce Bisping

Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jim Eyen talks with Lakers point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson during an exhibition game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Bruce Bisping

Fans high-five Minnesota Timberwolves players before the Wolves played the Los Angeles Lakers during an exhibition NBA basketball game against on October 18, 1989 at the Metrodome.

Brian Peterson

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