Karl-Anthony Towns was here. Right here, in fact: conference semifinals, against a heavily-favored reigning champion. Even won the first two games of the series on the champ’s home court. This was last spring. He was still in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves stunned the NBA by walking into Denver and taking two straight off the Nuggets.

They were the talk of the league.

They were brimming with confidence.

They came back to a festive homecoming at Minneapolis’ Target Center.