Kevin Garnett's Minnesota reunion highlights Wolves' rise toward contender status

Kevin Garnett returned to the Target Center as a team ambassador and received a loud ovation during the Timberwolves' regular-season finale; the Wolves have secured the No. 6 seed and are preparing for the Western Conference playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.

Kevin Garnett made his first return to the Target Center in eight years as the Timberwolves hosted their regular-season finale on Fan Appreciation Day. New ownership brought Garnett back as a team ambassador after a long estrangement with the franchise. The arena gave him a thunderous ovation as the team celebrated the night while sitting many regular starters ahead of the playoffs. Key points: - Garnett was escorted into the arena by owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez and was received with a strong ovation. - He has been named a team ambassador and the agreement opens the way for his jersey to be raised to the rafters next season. - The Timberwolves beat the New Orleans Pelicans 132-126 in the regular-season finale while resting most key players. - Minnesota had locked the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and is heading into the playoffs for a fifth straight season. - Coach Chris Finch invited Garnett into the locker room, where he met and spoke with players, and Anthony Edwards embraced him on the bench. - The Wolves will begin postseason preparations for a matchup with the Denver Nuggets, who closed the regular season on a lengthy win streak. Summary: Garnett's return served as a visible reconnection between a franchise icon and a team that has rebuilt into a consistent playoff club, and it provided a moment of perspective for players and fans. The Timberwolves now turn their attention to the Western Conference playoffs, where upcoming games will show how the team follows through on recent runs and whether it can advance further this postseason.