However, the team began to struggle further into the season, losing six straight games between January and February and slipping below .500.
After a 25–26 start, longtime head coach Flip Saunders was fired and replaced with general manager Kevin McHale for the remainder of the season.
The Timberwolves improved under McHale's management, but finished the season in third position in the Northwest Division.
Kevin Garnett led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists, as he was selected for the 2005 NBA All-Star Game.
Following the season, Latrell Sprewell retired after turning down a contract extension, Sam Cassell was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, and McHale was fired as coach.