Joker’s Monster Triple Double Lifts Nuggets Over Timberwolves (122-118)

Joker’s Monster Triple Double Lifts Nuggets Over Timberwolves (122-118)

Featured

by | Jan 19, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a loss to the Utah Jazz and wanted to go to Denver to show they’re just as good. We learned much about this Timberwolves team as of late because they’re scrappy. When you count this team out pregame and during the game they prove you wrong. The Timberwolves had their hands complete with the reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Less than 24 hours ago Nikola Jokić had a triple-double and could go back-to-back with monster stat lines. Tonight Joker finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists as he shows that he’s HIM. No Rudy Gobert in the lineup made it tough to defend him but the Timberwolves were able to do what they could do.

 

The Denver Nuggets had a game plan and it looked as if they wanted to get rid of everyone but Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves were able to get the lead and hang on it during the 4th until Jamal Murray started getting it going. Jamal Murray finished the game with 28 points but made some tough shots down the stretch to help the Nuggets get the win. Murray and Jokić put the Nuggets on their backs tonight as the Timberwolves just didn’t know what hit them. When Joker and Murray play at this elite level the Nuggets are tough to beat especially when they are hitting all those unreal shots.

 

Jaden McDaniels was able to finish with 18 points tonight but they will have to get ready to play the Toronto Raptors at home to bounce back. If the Timberwolves didn’t rush the offense this would have been a win in my humble opinion because they’re playing to their competition and acting like nothing. Look for the bounce back as there isn’t anything wrong with some home cooking in Minnesota. Look for Anthony Edwards or D’Angelo Rissell to set the tone early.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Jan 19, 2023 No Comments
The Timberwolves Lose Their First Home Game Of 2023 (126-125)

The Timberwolves Lose Their First Home Game Of 2023 (126-125)

Featured

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game undefeated at home in 2023. They were playing the shorthanded Utah Jazz on MLK Day which is a special day in the country. Players talked about why it was important to play on Martin Luther King Jr Day and what he means to us all.

In the game, the Timberwolves were quick without Rudy Gobert who left the game early after aggravating his groin injury. In his absence, it was up to Naz Reid, Nathan Knight, and Luka Garza to try to slow down Walker Kessler. Tonight was Walker’s night as he was all over the boards and didn’t take no for an answer in the paint. It seemed as though he was able to get his hands on every loose ball and every rebound that came off the rim. Walker even showed off a lot of his post moves in the paint as well but he showcased his dominance in this one early. Once Rudy was ruled out Walker was able to go to work and finished the game with 20 points and 21 rebounds. He took over the game in the second half and was making some huge plays to keep the Jazz in the game even when the Timberwolves were pulling away. Jordan Clarkson made some tough shots down the stretch as well to keep the Jazz in the mix and eventually the lead. Clarkson finished with 21 points on the night and the Jazz needed every one of them.

The Timberwolves were in this game all night and had a lot of chances to win it down the stretch. Anthony Edwards was sensational all night as he was able to lead this Timberwolves crew in every way needed. Edwards was able to accomplish being the youngest player in NBA History with 500 career 3-pointers. Ant Man finished with 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists as he continues to make his push for All-Star voting. On the last play, Anthony had a chance to get to the rack or get fouled but might the right basketball play by kicking it out to McDaniels. The Timberwolves missed that shot but it showed a lot of maturity in Edward’s game and showed he was a true team player at that moment. D’Angelo Russell was able to add 21 points on the night as this was one of those games that went back and forth until someone had to win. The Timberwolves let this one slip away but overall they had this one right where they needed it and let it slip away.

Up next the Timberwolves play the Nuggets on Wednesday as they look to bounce back in the conference after tonight’s loss.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Jan 16, 2023 No Comments
Timberwolves Get Impressive Win At Home Against Cleveland (110-102)

Timberwolves Get Impressive Win At Home Against Cleveland (110-102)

Featured

by | Jan 15, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The storyline was set up for this one as it would be the first time Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert played against each other since the trades this off-season. That would come up short as Rudy Gobert got injured early in the game and exited with (Groin Soreness) tonight. The Timberwolves had a great plan in store as they were throwing multiple defenders at Donovan Mitchell making it tough on him from the jump. Mitchell finished the game with 14 points only, largely because of the length on him from Edwards/Nowell/McDaniels. The Timberwolves were able to slow down the high-powered offense of the Cavaliers as they only had 4 people in double figures.

 

The Timberwolves on the other hand only had 3 players in double figures led by Anthony Edwards 26 point performance. It seemed as though anything that Edwards wanted tonight inside and outside he was able to get easily. Edwards did a lot of damage on the fastbreak and was able to get to his spots when it broke down into ISO. The Cavs had no answer for Edwards as they tried to throw multiple bodies at him but he was able to find the right person open. That person that would get a lot of touches because of that was Naz Reid. This man Naz Reid was playing like a complete monster tonight and got more opportunity after Rudy was declared out. Naz Reid was attacking the paint and had about 3 monster dunks that got the crowd into the game. It was one of those nights again that make you wonder why Naz Reid doesn’t have a larger role because, in those extended minutes, he was putting on a show. Then you release that Rudy/KAT are players that he would have to try to get minutes around and it doesn’t work but still he’s special. The impact that Reid had on tonight’s game was huge from an offensive and defensive standpoint. Naz finished the game with 17 points and was able to give the Timberwolves that boost that they needed to get the win.

 

Both Garza and Nowell brought some life to the floor off the bench as they combined for 25 points. As I said if this Timberwolves team gets production from the bench like this and Edwards continues to emerge as we wait for Towns this could be a scary team for anyone to face in the NBA Playoffs. Up next the Timberwolves, play the Jazz on MLK Day as they look to start another long win streak.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Jan 15, 2023 No Comments
Anthony Edwards 31 Point Performance Helps Deliver The Win (121-116)

Anthony Edwards 31 Point Performance Helps Deliver The Win (121-116)

Featured

by | Jan 14, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Timberwolves are coming off their first loss of the new year in Detroit. They came into this game against the Suns looking to bounce back. The Suns would be without Chris Paul & Devin Booker but this squad has shown that they’re extremely scrappy. Minnesota has been clicking on both sides of the ball and took advantage of everything Phoenix gave them.

 

The Timberwolves had 6 players in double figures tonight led by Anthony Edwards with 31 points. Tonight was the night Anthony Edwards really was able to put the team on his back as he made bucket after bucket. The Suns were trying to put multiple bodies on him whether it be Craig/Okogie/Bridges it didn’t matter. Edwards has been able to create space for his jumper and he’s used his euro-step as a lethal weapon in every game. The Suns were trying to clog the paint and make it tough on Rudy Gobert but Anthony made it tough on them in transition and iso. The best thing about Anthony’s 31-point performance was that he showed a lot of poise and was able to take great shots. His shot selection tonight was impressive and it also forced the defense to fall back opening some opportunities for his teammates like D’Angelo Russell.

 

Russell finished with 17 points but was able to make the most of the chances given to him when Edwards was doubled. There were a couple of times in the game where Russell was able to create his own shot something that he put on full display back in Brooklyn. When DLO gets into that type of groove when his shot is falling effortlessly then it can be a long night for any team that’s playing them. With the defense focused on slowing down Edwards/Gobert it left Russell to feast and get everything that was left for him. Russell made them pay in a big way and so did Taurean Prince who added 16 points off the bench and made some huge shots when the Timberwolves needed them. If the bench can continue to play at this pace where any night it can be Naz Reid, Jaylen Nowell, Austin Rivers, or Taurean Prince then it could be very impactful when it comes to meaningful games.

 

This bench helped the starters tonight with 45 points and they will need to repeat that as the Cleveland Cavaliers come into town tonight to try to steal a win on the road. Donovan Mitchell will be playing against Rudy Gobert for the first time since both were traded away from Utah so this should be a great matchup.

Jan 14, 2023 No Comments
Detroit Pistons Hand The Timberwolves Their 1st Loss Of 2023 (135-118)

Detroit Pistons Hand The Timberwolves Their 1st Loss Of 2023 (135-118)

Featured

by | Jan 11, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Timberwolves were 4-0 in the New Year up until tonight. It’s crazy because the last loss they had was NYE against these same Detroit Pistons. The last time these teams met the Pistons didn’t play Noel or Hayes. Both of those players were active and ready to go for the Pistons this time. The Timberwolves were without Kyle Anderson tonight with an illness.

 

It was one of those games where the defense wasn’t all there tonight. Both teams scored over 115 points in a high-octane offensive display. The Pistons had it going early and the player that really sparked their performance tonight was Saddiq Bey who had a game-high 31 points, 1 assist, and 6 rebounds. Bey was hitting some tough shots all night and was able to play with an energy that wasn’t matched tonight. Bey was attacking the inside and outside. When Bey plays with that confidence he did tonight it would be tough to beat him 1 on 1. The Pistons punched the Timberwolves in the mouth tonight as they had a 23-point lead at one point. The 30 team assists to make a lot of sense as that ball was moving as Coach Casey has his team playing inspired ball. Bogdanovic was able to add 27 points on the night and was looking really good on the outside. He’s one of those players that can create his own shot and he made the Timberwolves pay. Hami Diallo scored 18 points in this game and made it tough on the Timberwolves’ interior defense.

 

The Timberwolves’ only bright spot in this game tonight was D’Angelo Russell. Time and time again the man continues to prove that he has ice in his veins and is ready for a moment. DLo was the second leading scorer tonight behind Edwards as he dropped 19 points. Tonight he just wasn’t able to make enough plays as the Timberwolves lost. Anthony Edwards was questionable to come in tonight and he played then left and came back again. Edwards finished with 20 points tonight but it seems that a rest day is in order for Edwards as the Timberwolves have Phoneix coming into town on Friday.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jan 11, 2023 No Comments
Minnesota Remains Undefeated In 2023 By Beating Houston (104-96)

Minnesota Remains Undefeated In 2023 By Beating Houston (104-96)

Featured

by | Jan 8, 2023 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game on a three-game winning streak feeling great. It’s a new year but also a new look Timberwolves as Anthony Edwards has become one of the primary ball handlers. The Houston Rockets on the other hand are young but still searching for their identity nightly.

 

The Timberwolves were challenged in this game as Kevin Porter Jr was able to get loose tonight. When Porter Jr is in attack mode it seems as though everything goes well for the Rockets. Porter Jr was taking advantage of the mismatch when the bigs were switched on him and made them pay. The Rockets were able to get out in transition in this one and had their defense determine their offense. Kevin Porter Jr was the bright spot for them with 25 points as Minnesota made it tough on Jalen Green tonight with his 9 points.

 

In the last couple of games, D’Angelo Russell has been loading in that points column, and tonight was no different. When the Timberwolves need that player that can get in ISO and get a bucket Russell has shown up big time. Throughout the season and tonight Russell continued his hot scoring as he was able to drop a game-high 22 points with 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. Russell has been consistent all season for the Timberwolves and he was able to give the Rockets that work tonight. Inside and outside it didn’t matter in that second half as Russell put the team on his back helping Anthony Edwards. Speaking of Edwards he was a game-time decision in this one but looked like regular “Ant-Man” tonight. Edwards finished the game with 21 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds as Minnesota was able to dominate that second half. When the Timberwolves play a complete game like this when everyone is eating their a hard team to beat. Rudy Gobert has been a double-double machine as of late and showed dominance in the paint tonight with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

The Timberwolves will be heading to Detroit to try and make it 5 straight wins in the calendar year of 2023.

 

 

 

Photo Credit:  (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jan 8, 2023 No Comments