SHENZHEN, China — Earlier this week, before flying to China for two exhibitions against the Warriors, the Timberwolves stopped in Anchorage, Alaska to refuel.
It was a not-so-subtle reminder that Minnesota will be the secondary attraction in the Far East. In 2013, before facing Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in China, Golden State — then fresh off its first playoff appearance in six years — made a pit-stop in Anchorage. No such layover was necessary this year for the defending NBA champions.
Entering their exhibition Thursday against the Warriors in Shenzhen, the Timberwolves are emulating the rebuild that made Golden State the class of the league.