2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Minnesota Timberwolves 2003 51 31 Midwest 3 4 Flip Saunders Kevin McHale Glen Taylor Target Center KMSP-TV WFTC Fox Sports Net North WFAN First round(lost to Lakers 2–4) MIN The 2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves season was the 14th season for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association. Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/ August 8, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Timberwolves signed free agents Troy Hudson, Kendall Gill and Rod Strickland. Report: Wolves Sign G Troy Hudson United Press International August 26, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/08/26/Report-Wolves-sign-G-Troy-Hudson/19401030389732/ June 11, 2022 Timberwolves Sign Kendall Gill United Press International September 26, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/09/26/Timberwolves-sign-Kendall-Gill/71771033058189/ June 11, 2022 Western Conference: Team-by-Team Preview The New York Times October 28, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/28/sports/basketball/teambyteam-preview-2002102890660337665.html July 16, 2022 However, prior to the start of the regular season, the team lost both Terrell Brandon, and Felipe López for the entire season due to knee injuries. Timberwolves' Hudson Hurts Ankle Midland Daily News January 12, 2003 https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Timberwolves-Hudson-Hurts-Ankle-7045758.php June 11, 2022 Heisler Mark He's Guy Bringing Dread to the Lakers Los Angeles Times April 28, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-apr-28-sp-heisler28-story.html October 27, 2022 Regular season With the addition of Hudson, Gill and Strickland, and despite the loss of Brandon and López, the Timberwolves played around .500 in winning percentage with a 9–8 record in November. The team posted two six-game winning streaks in January and February, while posting a 12–1 record in February, and holding a 29–20 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 2003 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=2003 September 13, 2022 The Timberwolves posted a seven-game winning streak between February and March, and finished in third place in the Midwest Division with a 51–31 record, earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference; 2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2003_games.html January 13, 2022 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Kevin Garnett averaged 23.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In addition, Wally Szczerbiak averaged 17.6 points per game, but only played 52 games due to injury, while Hudson provided the team with 14.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, Rasho Nesterovic provided with 11.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and Gill contributed 8.7 points per game. Meanwhile, Anthony Peeler contributed 7.7 points per game, Joe Smith averaged 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, Strickland provided with 6.8 points and 4.6 assists per game, and Gary Trent contributed 6.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. 2002–03 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2003.html February 2, 2022 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Garnett was selected for the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team. Sheridan Chris Something Old, Something New on Court at All-Star Game Ocala Star-Banner February 9, 2003 https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/02/09/something-old-something-new-on-court-at-all-star-game/31273551007/ January 28, 2026 NBA.com Staff 2003 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2003 January 28, 2026 2003 NBA All-Star Game: West 155, East 145 (2OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2003.html January 28, 2026 Garnett scored 37 points along with 9 rebounds and 5 steals, and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference in double-overtime, 155–145. Associated Press Garnett Is the M.V.P. in Jordan's Final All-Star Game The New York Times February 9, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/09/sports/basketball/garnett-is-the-mvp-in-jordans-final-allstar-game.html January 13, 2022 Wyche Steve Passing the Torch The Washington Post February 10, 2003 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/02/10/passing-the-torch/e9bf0ebe-a63d-4d23-8e1c-ef03027ba5e8/ June 12, 2022 Garnett finished in second place in Most Valuable Player voting, behind Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs with 43 first-place votes, Associated Press Pro Basketball: Duncan Is M.V.P. Once Again The New York Times May 5, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/05/sports/pro-basketball-duncan-is-mvp-once-again.html June 11, 2022 2002–03 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2003.html January 28, 2026 and also finished in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting; Associated Press Wallace Chosen Best Defender Los Angeles Times April 24, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-apr-24-sp-nbanotes24-story.html?_amp=true September 13, 2022 Hudson finished in ninth place in Most Improved Player voting, while Garnett finished tied in 21st place, and Nesterovic finished tied in 26th place, and head coach Flip Saunders finished in fifth place in Coach of the Year voting. The Timberwolves finished 18th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 643,684 at the Target Center during the regular season. 2002–03 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2003.html February 3, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2003 NBA playoffs, the Timberwolves faced off against the 5th–seeded, and 3-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal, and Derek Fisher. The Timberwolves lost Game 1 to the Lakers at home, 117–98 at the Target Center, but managed to win the next two games, which included a Game 3 road win over the Lakers at the Staples Center in overtime, 114–110 to take a 2–1 series lead. However, the Timberwolves lost the next three games, including a Game 6 loss to the Lakers at the Staples Center, 101–85, thus losing the series in six games; it was the seventh consecutive year that the Timberwolves lost in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Looking Like Champs, Lakers Advance The New York Times May 2, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/02/sports/pro-basketball-looking-like-champs-lakers-advance.html January 13, 2022 Brown Tim Lakers Earn Their Spurs Los Angeles Times May 2, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-02-sp-lakers2-story.html June 11, 2022 2003 NBA Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Timberwolves Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2003-nba-western-conference-first-round-lakers-vs-timberwolves.html January 31, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Smith was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: In Fallout from Draft, Bucks Trade Cassell The New York Times June 28, 2003 https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/28/sports/pro-basketball-in-fallout-from-draft-bucks-trade-cassell.html June 11, 2022 Bucks Send Cassell to Minnesota United Press International June 27, 2003 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/06/27/Bucks-send-Cassell-to-Minnesota/23201056745933/ October 27, 2022 while Peeler signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings, Kings Ink Anthony Peeler United Press International August 15, 2003 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2003/08/15/Kings-ink-Anthony-Peeler/77001060983961/ July 15, 2022 and Gill signed with the Chicago Bulls. Johnson K.C. Kendall Gill's 'Pizza' Diet Chicago Tribune October 28, 2003 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-10-28-0310280307-story.html October 27, 2022 Meanwhile, Brandon was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a four-team trade, Sprewell Is Part of 4-Team Trade Los Angeles Times July 24, 2003 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-24-sp-nbareport24-story.html July 15, 2022 and Strickland was released to free agency. Draft picks 2002 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 29 Forfeited pick 2 52 Marcus Taylor PG Michigan State Roster Minnesota Timberwolves 2002–03 #005083 #FFFFFF #000000 #FFFFFF 7 Terrell Brandon G 5 11 180 1970–05–20 Oregon IN 21 Kevin Garnett F 6 11 220 1976–05–19 Farragut Academy (IL) 9 Kendall Gill G 6 5 195 1968–05–25 Illinois 16 Troy Hudson G 6 1 170 1976–03–13 Southern Illinois 25 Marc Jackson C 6 10 270 1975–01–16 Temple 13 Felipe López basketball G 6 5 180 1974–12–19 St. John's IN 8 Rasho Nesterović Radoslav Nesterović C 7 0 255 1976–05–30 Slovenia 44 Anthony Peeler G 6 4 208 1969–11–25 Missouri 36 Igor Rakocevic G 6 3 183 1978–03–29 Serbia 32 Joe Smith basketball F 6 10 225 1975–07–26 Maryland 1 Rod Strickland G 6 3 175 1966–07–11 DePaul 10 Wally Szczerbiak F 6 7 244 1977–03–05 Miami University 20 Gary Trent F 6 8 250 1974–09–22 Ohio 29 Mike Wilks basketball G 5 10 180 1979–05–07 Rice 3 Loren Woods C 7 2 260 1978–06–21 Arizona Flip Saunders Greg Ballard Jerry Sichting Randy Wittman Don Zierden Gregg Farnam (trainer) (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2003.html February 12, 2003 Roster notes Point guard Terrell Brandon was on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury, and missed the entire regular season. Shooting guard Felipe Lopez was on the injured reserve list due to a torn ACL, and MCL in his left knee, and missed the entire regular season. Regular season Season standings MIN MIN z - clinched division title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot Game log December 2025 Playoffs Minnesota Timberwolves 2003 yes #005083 #8c92ac Minnesota Timberwolves #228B22 #000000 First round yes yes no 1 2 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 20 | L.A. Lakers | L 98–117 | Kevin Garnett (23) | Kevin Garnett (14) | Kevin Garnett (7) | Target Center17,097 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 22 | L.A. Lakers | W 119–91 | Troy Hudson (37) | Kevin Garnett (20) | Troy Hudson (10) | Target Center17,132 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 24 | @ L.A. Lakers | W 114–110 (OT) | Kevin Garnett (33) | Kevin Garnett (14) | Rod Strickland (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | April 27 | @ L.A. Lakers | L 97–102 | Garnett, Hudson (28) | Kevin Garnett (18) | Kevin Garnett (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | April 29 | L.A. Lakers | L 90–120 | Kevin Garnett (25) | Kevin Garnett (16) | Troy Hudson (7) | Target Center20,098 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 1 | @ L.A. Lakers | L 85–101 | Garnett, Hudson (18) | Kevin Garnett (12) | Garnett, Szczerbiak (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–4 |- MIN yes 2003 Player statistics Regular season Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameKevin GarnettPF82 82 3,321 1,102 495 113 129 1,883 40.5 13.4 6.0 1.4 1.6 23.0Anthony PeelerSG82 39 2,245 241 244 72 13 630 27.4 2.9 3.0 .9 .2 7.7Kendall GillSG82 34 2,068 248 156 78 15 714 25.2 3.0 1.9 1.0 .2 8.7Gary TrentSF 80 22 1,222 291 77 32 23 476 15.3 3.6 1.0 .4 .3 6.0Troy HudsonPG 79 74 2,600 183 452 60 7 1,123 32.9 2.3 5.7 .8 .1 14.2Rasho NesterovićC 77 77 2,337 504 114 39 116 861 30.4 6.5 1.5 .5 1.5 11.2Marc JacksonC 77 0 1,041 225 37 24 30 421 13.5 2.9 .5 .3 .4 5.5Joe Smith basketballSF 54 21 1,117 270 38 14 55 404 20.7 5.0 .7 .3 1.0 7.5Wally SzczerbiakSF 52 42 1,836 241 136 44 22 913 35.3 4.6 2.6 .8 .4 17.6Rod StricklandPG 47 8 956 95 215 46 6 320 20.3 2.0 4.6 1.0 .1 6.8Igor RakočevićPG 42 0 244 17 33 4 0 78 5.8 .4 .8 .1 .0 1.9Loren WoodsC 38 11 353 95 19 10 13 80 9.3 2.5 .5 .3 .3 2.1Mike Wilks basketball†PG 31 0 324 30 50 11 3 62 10.5 1.0 1.6 .4 .1 2.0Reggie SlaterPF 26 0 141 31 4 6 1 81 5.4 1.2 .2 .2 .0 3.1 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Timberwolves only. Playoffs Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameKevin GarnettPF6 6 265 94 31 10 10 162 44.2 15.7 5.2 1.7 1.7 27.0Wally SzczerbiakSF6 6 252 30 13 6 1 87 42.0 5.0 2.2 1.0 .2 14.5Troy HudsonPG6 6 221 12 33 8 0 141 36.8 2.0 5.5 1.3 .0 23.5Rasho NesterovićC6 6 169 30 4 1 4 42 28.2 5.0 .7 .2 .7 7.0Anthony PeelerSG6 5 166 21 18 4 1 29 27.7 3.5 3.0 .7 .2 4.8Kendall GillSG6 0 118 13 7 4 1 31 19.7 2.2 1.2 .7 .2 5.2Marc JacksonC6 0 110 33 8 2 1 50 18.3 5.5 1.3 .3 .2 8.3Rod StricklandPG6 0 73 6 17 4 2 28 12.2 1.0 2.8 .7 .3 4.7Gary TrentSF6 0 42 7 1 1 0 14 7.0 1.2 .2 .2 .0 2.3Joe Smith basketballSF 5 1 40 6 0 1 1 14 8.0 1.2 .0 .2 .2 2.8Mike Wilks basketballPG 4 0 7 0 0 0 0 3 1.8 .0 .0 .0 .0 .8Loren WoodsC 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1.0 .5 .0 .0 .0 1.0 Awards and records Kevin Garnett, All-NBA First Team Kevin Garnett, NBA All-Defensive First Team Kevin Garnett, NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award References See also 2002-03 NBA season Category:Minnesota Timberwolves seasons Category:2002 in sports in Minnesota Category:2003 in sports in Minnesota Monnesota