The success the Timberwolves are having this season is amazing when you consider all this franchise has gone through in recent years.

Included on the list are the tragic death of Malik Sealy in a car accident; the loss of Tom Gugliotta and Bobby Jackson to free agency; the trade of Stephon Marbury; and the suspension of owner Glen Taylor and Vice President Kevin McHale -- plus the loss of five (now three) draft choices -- after Joe Smith was signed to a series of illegal contracts.

You have to salute Taylor, McHale, coach Flip Saunders and his assistant coaches for overcoming all of this and putting together a team that was leading the Midwest Division, entering Saturday night's game at Golden State.