The 2001–02 NBA season was the Timberwolves' 13th season in the National Basketball Association. A year after they were slapped by the NBA, the Timberwolves were able to re-sign Joe Smith, who played with the Detroit Pistons last season. The Timberwolves won nine of their first ten games, which led them to a 28–9 record as of January 15. However, Terrell Brandon sustained a knee injury after 32 games and was out for the rest of the season, as the team suffered a 7-game losing streak in March. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett continued to establish himself as one of the top players in the NBA averaging 21.2 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, as the Timberwolves finished third in the Midwest Division with a solid 50–32 record. Garnett and Wally Szczerbiak were both selected to play in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game.

However, in the first round of the playoffs, the Timberwolves were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in three straight games. Following the season, Chauncey Billups signed as a free agent with the Detroit Pistons, and Sam Mitchell retired.

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs. (5) Minnesota Timberwolves Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Mavericks and Timberwolves.

Dirk Nowitzki was virtually unstoppable in this series, averaging around 33 points and 16 rebounds per game.

(DAL-MIN)

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