The Timberwolves had long since been eliminated from the Playoffs.
However, they had been in good form at the end of the season, putting together a seven-game winning streak.
This game was also their season finale, and they would be playing at home.
For them, a win was the best possible outcome.
Normally, by this point in the season, Regular Season games were no longer all that compelling.
But because of these factors, this game had drawn unprecedented attention.
Before the game, fans had been discussing whether the Pelicans would send out the Four Brothers of Hard Work to secure their 80th win.
But when Stevens was asked about it in an interview on game day, he gave an answer.
"They won't play."
After a full season, Stevens had become completely Popovich-like.
That answer disappointed some fans, but even more fans became invested in the game.
If the Four Brothers of Hard Work all played, the Timberwolves would have no chance at all.
It had nothing to do with how long their winning streak was or how well they had been playing lately.
On the other hand, if the Four Brothers of Hard Work did not play, the Timberwolves had a chance, and considering their recent form, it was not a small one.
And if they won, they would prevent the Pelicans from reaching 80 Wins.
Though it was only a difference of one win, reaching 80 was like the difference between a perfect score of 100 and 99. The gap was enormous.
On the night of April 12, the season finale between the Pelicans and Timberwolves officially began.
Minneapolis was much warmer in April than it had been during their last meeting, and the on-site fans were even more passionate.
Target Center was packed to capacity.
Besides the fans