MINNEAPOLIS — Even if they didn't surprise themselves, the Timberwolves surprised a lot of NBA fans by reaching the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and beating the over-under on the preseason expected win total by double digits.
They got there from a step up in their own play on both ends of the floor. They also got there thanks to a Western Conference that saw some expected playoff teams take a tumble or finish behind them.
The Clippers played all season without Kawhi Leonard and most of the season without Paul George and were still the No. 8 seed. Portland figures to have Damian Lillard back and will attempt to rebuild around him. New Orleans had a strong second half, acquired CJ McCollum and finished as the No. 9 seed without Zion Williamson.
