Kevin Garnett Returns to Target Center After 8 Years

MINNEAPOLIS — Franchise legend Kevin Garnett returned to Target Center on Sunday night for the first time in eight years, drawing a prolonged standing ovation from fans during the Minnesota Timberwolves' 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the regular-season finale.

The 49-year-old Hall of Famer, who spent 15 seasons with the Timberwolves across two stints from 1995 to 2007 and 2015 to 2016, walked onto the court after player introductions, escorted by team co-owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore as well as his two daughters. The crowd erupted in chants of "KG! KG!" as a video tribute played, highlighting his iconic dunks, blocks and intense leadership that defined the franchise's early 2000s contention, including a 2004 MVP award and Western Conference finals appearance. Garnett, visibly emotional, patted his heart in response and shared a bear hug with current star Anthony Edwards before taking a courtside seat.

With the Timberwolves already locked into the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference at 49-33, coach Chris Finch rested nine of the top 10 players to preserve health for the playoffs. Fan favorite Joe Ingles started and recorded 15 points and 10 assists,...