The Timberwolves say it isn't a factor, that if they take the playoffs one game at a time, their season finally will stretch past the first round of the playoffs.

But what the Wolves can't ignore is the past: Only two franchises in NBA history have suffered similar failure in the playoffs. One, the Portland Trail Blazers, made the Western Conference finals for two consecutive years after losing in the first round six consecutive times. The other, the Washington Bullets, lost in the first round five consecutive times from 1984-88 and has made the playoffs only once since then.

"I heard some comments about the Lakers should play us because we had never won a series," Joe Smith said. "It's things like that that get a team motivated. We need to do something to change that feeling."

Should the Wolves tie the NBA record with a sixth consecutive first-round exit, there will be fan pressure to make changes. Kevin Garnett, still the identity of the Wolves and with two years remaining on his six-season, $126 million contract, has shouldered the burden of leading the team, but with a constantly changing supporting cast: Tom Gugliotta, Stephon Marbury, Malik Sealy, Terrell Brandon, Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak.

Coach Flip Saunders has four years and $20 million left on his deal. But it will be a pivotal summer for others, such as point guard Chauncey Billups, who can opt out of his contract. Starters Szczerbiak and Rasho Nesterovic are up for contract extensions. Gary Trent, Sam Mitchell and Loren Woods will be free agents.

The pressure on the team is external and internal.