The 2000-01 NBA season was the Timberwolves' 12th season in the NBA. After the tragic death of Malik Sealy, the Timberwolves scrambled to find a replacement for him, signing free agent Chauncey Billups, a close friend of Kevin Garnett while signing LaPhonso Ellis. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves free agent deal signed by Joe Smith was voided by the NBA, who ruled their proper procedure in signing the contract, while stripping their first round draft picks for the next five seasons and fined $3.5 million. Smith would sign with the Detroit Pistons, and General Manager Kevin McHale was suspended for one year. Despite the troubles, the Timberwolves finished fourth in the Midwest Division with a 47–35 record with Garnett being selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, they would lose in four games to the San Antonio Spurs. Following the season, Ellis signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat and Tom Hammonds retired.

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Playoff Meeting: 1999 Western Conference First Round (San Antonio won 3-1)

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