It's been a long time since the Timberwolves had what could be defined as a successful season. In particular, it's been a long time since they finished a year on a positive note.
Last year? They started 16-15, then went 15-36 over the final 51 games.
Two years ago? They were 21-19 before Ricky Rubio got hurt and then 5-21 thereafter.
Three years ago? They ended the year on a 15-game losing streak.
Four years ago? A wretched 2-29 to close things.
You get the picture.
This year? It remains to be seen. One thing the Wolves had generally avoided over the first 60-plus games of the year was a truly wretched stretch. They had stayed around .500 for almost all of it, never getting too high or too low. But a deflating loss to Phoenix on Sunday, followed by a beatdown by Memphis on Monday, has Minnesota on the wrong side of .500 again at 34-35. And we fear based on body language, mounting injuries and general disappointment that another season-ending slide is in the offing.
As such, we'll find out a lot about the character and possibly the future of the team, as assembled, in these final 13 games.
