{"id":142445,"date":"2025-05-29T12:06:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=142445"},"modified":"2025-05-29T12:06:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:06:40","slug":"timberwolves-future-devasting-playoff-elimination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/29\/timberwolves-future-devasting-playoff-elimination\/","title":{"rendered":"Timberwolves Look to the Future After Devastating Playoff Elimination"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the midst of their most successful era in franchise history. Before last season, they had only won a playoff series in a single season, 2003-04, when league MVP Kevin Garnett<\/a> led them to the Western Conference Finals. Now, they are a back-to-back Conference Finalist. There’s stability in the front office and coaching staff, and a young core leading the charge. The Timberwolves are primed to keep winning. But in the moment, a second straight unceremonious loss to end their season stings. After the game, Anthony Edwards<\/a>, Mike Conley<\/a>, and head coach Chris Finch reflected on the game, the season, and what lies ahead for the future of the Timberwolves.<\/p>\n

Timberwolves Look to the Future After Devastating Playoff Elimination<\/h2>\n
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May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Edwards: \u201cIt\u2019s exciting for me, I\u2019m 23, I get to do it a whole buncha times.\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n

A year ago, after bowing out in five games to the Dallas Mavericks, Edwards promised the team would be back. He kept his word, but after losing again in five games, culminating in another closeout game blowout, his tone was a little different.<\/p>\n

He again repeated, \u201cwe\u2019ll be back,\u201d noting his youth as a reason for optimism. However, he also mentioned there was definitely disappointment for him, less for himself, more \u201cfor Mike [Conley], we came up short for Mike.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conley is a leader in the locker room and has never had the opportunity to play for an NBA Championship. As Conley’s career winds down, Edwards is clearly upset at letting down his veteran point guard.<\/p>\n

He concluded the thought by musing, \u201cHurting is a terrible word to use, I\u2019m good.\u201d With Edwards at the helm, the ceiling is still immensely high for the future of the Timberwolves.<\/p>\n