The 1996-97 season was a historic turning point for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the franchise secured its first-ever playoff berth. Led by the emerging brilliance of second-year star Kevin Garnett and the high-scoring duo of Tom Gugliotta and rookie Stephon Marbury, the team finished with a 40-42 record to claim the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The season was further highlighted by both Garnett and Gugliotta earning All-Star honors, marking a significant milestone in the team's growth and establishing a competitive foundation for the years to follow.