Minnesota governor declares 'Wolves Back Day' ahead of Timberwolves' WCF Game 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves are back in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, and even the state government is getting in on the celebration.

Ahead of the Timberwolves' Game 1 clash with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared May 22, 2024 to be "Wolves Back Day" in a new proclamation he posted to X (formerly Twitter). Both Walz and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan signed the proclamation.

The document begins as a brief history of professional basketball in the state, beginning with a lament of the departure of the Minnesota Lakers in 1960 ("stolen by the coastal elites," it reads). It continues on to the founding of the Timberwolves in 1989 and "the glory days of Kevin Garnett," a reference to Garnett's 2003-2004 team that was the last Minnesota team to advance to the conference finals.

Wednesday's proclamation concludes with a summary of recent events, including the defeat of the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals, and the optimism that surrounds the current team before declaring the day "Wolves Back Day." The governor's choice of name for the new proclamation is a reference to "Wolves Back," which has been the playoff mantra for this year's Timberwolves squad.

Minnesota defeated the Phoenix Suns in four games during the first round of this year's playoffs and defeated the Nuggets in seven games in the conference semifinals. The Timberwolves' Game 7 victory included a 20-point comeback, the largest second-half comeback in a Game 7 in NBA history.

The Timberwolves will face the Mavericks for a chance to secure the franchise's first conference title.

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"Wolves Back Day" proclamation has hidden Anthony Edwards reference

Hidden within the proclamation is a reference to Minnesota star Anthony Edwards' invitation to "Inside the NBA" analyst Charles Barkley after Game 7.

"I have not been to Minnesota in probably 20 years," Barkley told Edwards after the game.

"Bring ya ass," the 22-year-old guard responded.

In Gov. Walz's proclamation, the first letter of each line reads out "B-R-I-N-G-Y-A-A-S-S."

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Explore Minnesota Tourism embracing Edwards' invitation as marketing

The viral moment from Barkley and Edwards' interaction had already inspired a change on tourism site Explore Minnesota's homepage.

Comedian and Timberwolves fan Jon Savitt bought the domain "bringyaass.com" and had it redirect to the Explore Minnesota site. The website, which is connected to the official Minnesota government's website, has fully embraced the moment.

The site now reads: "Welcome to a state of possibility. Whether you’re planning a visit or pondering a move, Minnesota is ready to welcome you.

In other words….

BRING YA A**"

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota governor proclaims 'Wolves Back Day' with hidden message