Naz Reid Leads The Timberwolves To Victory In Oklahoma City (112-110)

Naz Reid Leads The Timberwolves To Victory In Oklahoma City (112-110)

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by | Dec 16, 2022 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves were on a losing skid but all of that changed tonight in OKC. The Timberwolves showed a lot of heart especially knowing they had to play without Rudy Gobert and D’Angelo Russell. Minnesota had to adjust the starting lineup and other players had to step up in their absence. One of those players that showed up tonight was Naz Reid as he was able to showcase his full talent on display. We saw Reid go coast to coast with a euro step and hit a couple 3 pointers. Naz Reid has been able to step right in with confidence and make the best of the minutes given to him with injuries. The way that Reid has played this season shows that he definitely needs some more playing time and was able to put on a show against OKC tonight. Naz Reid finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Reid was able to punish the OKC Thunder inside the paint and outside with the 3-point game. The Thunder put multiple players on Reid but it didn’t change a thing as he had it going tonight. Reid is a true power forward that can stretch the floor and that helps his teammates get openings for the offense.

 

The other player that showed up for the Timberwolves tonight was Austin Rivers who finished with 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Rivers showed that he can knock down his shot still and he can generate offense when given the opportunity. Austin hit a huge 3-pointer late in the game to seal the win but he was able to get a bucket with ease. This was a back-and-forth game with a lot of scoring so this was right down Austin Rivers’s alley. Austin showed a lot of leadership tonight and was able to defend at a high level as he was able to disrupt Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey tonight. Anthony Edwards was close to a triple-double but the young star was all over the place in this game. Edwards showed a lot of growth in this game as he was able to find his teammates while looking for his shot as well. Edwards finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night as he was able to do as he pleased against OKC.

 

The Thunder lost another close one and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at the front of their offense again as he was able to get what he wanted against Minnesota. The Timberwolves made it tough on Shai but he was able to still put up 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Thunder are going to be a team that everyone will need to watch out for after next season but the future is bright with SGA running things in OKC.

 

This Timberwolves team has been through ups and downs this season but they have grown to adapt to every situation with lineup changes. This team has stuck together now with Towns, Gobert, and Russell out of the lineup.

Dec 16, 2022 No Comments
The Los Angeles Clippers Beat The Shorthanded Timberwolves (99-88)

The Los Angeles Clippers Beat The Shorthanded Timberwolves (99-88)

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by | Dec 15, 2022 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are already playing without Karl-Anthony Towns who should be back in early January. Tonight they had to play without their point guard D’Angelo Russell who’s been listed as (day to day) with a left knee contusion. Minnesota started Austin Rivers in his place tonight as they were looking for someone that can facilitate the offense to keep it running at a high pace. It didn’t work out as planned tonight as the Timberwolves struggled from the field against the Clippers but they showed a lot of grit/grind. Anthony Edwards was tested tonight as he was being guarded by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George during the game. In true Anthony Edwards fashion, he didn’t back down from the challenge he embraced it.

 

Edwards was the leading scorer for the Timberwolves tonight with 19 points, 3 assists, and 7 rebounds on 6/14 shooting from the field. It was a tough outing overall for the Timberwolves as they put out their lowest-scoring total of the season against the Clippers. Kyle Anderson and Jaylen Nowell both put up 13 points but the starters didn’t really get the chance to get involved as the Clippers team’s defense was a little too much to handle especially with D’Angelo Russell. It was tough for the Timberwolves to get a rhythm especially when your point guard isn’t there and you’re missing his clutch shot-making ability down the stretch. The Timberwolves got beat on the 3-point line tonight as that was the tale of the game the Clippers hit 14 3-pointers compared to their 4 3-pointers in the game. When it’s that lopsided in the 3-point department it’s going to be a tough night for any team in the NBA.

 

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George didn’t erupt for many points but both made a huge impact on the defensive end. Both of the LA Clippers stars combined for 36 points, 12 assists, and 19 rebounds with the majority of it coming from Paul George. Tonight PG-13 had a triple-double and was able to get his teammates in the right spots and he was able to defend Anthony Edwards at a high level. Both these teams will be squaring off again in early January as the Timberwolves will hope to be back at full health by getting Towns/Russell back for that game. The Clippers were at full strength tonight and were able to make the Timberwolves pay on every defensive mistake they had which wasn’t much. But it seemed as though the Clippers made every bucket off a turnover and made it a point to continue to attack the basket when the opportunity presented itself. Rudy Gobert finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds on the night as the Timberwolves missed out on some easy baskets in the paint with Rudy.

 

This team’s still learning and they were missing key pieces but when they figure it out as a whole they will be a problem for any team. Next up the Timberwolves will look to get back in the win column as they face the OKC Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Dec 15, 2022 No Comments
SneakerReporter: Top 5 NBA MVP Candidates

SneakerReporter: Top 5 NBA MVP Candidates

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by | Dec 13, 2022 | Featured, NBA

SneakerReporter Top 5 MVP candidates for the NBA 2023-23 NBA Season. With only 7 weeks into the season and each team has almost played 28 games this season, some players have made their mark this season and have led their teams to victories. Here are some players who have stood out this far into the NBA season. 

  1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks 

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Every year Giannis improves his game and has been one of the league’s most dangerous players. Giannis is currently averaging 31.9 points per game. The Bucks are currently second in the east with a 18-6 record and have started off hot this December with Giannis leading the way. Giannis will be looking to secure his third MVP trophy this season and possibly another NBA championship. 

  1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks 

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Doncic has no doubt been one of the league’s best scorers this season and has played dominant basketball. Doncic is leading the leagues in points per game with 32.9 points per game. Despite Doncic having himself a spectacular season, the Mavericks sit at 14-13 on the season but the Mavericks look to be changing things around and getting Luka the help he needs to succeed. With so much season left Doncic will continue to be playing at a high level and lead his team to a playoff position. 

  1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics 

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Tatum has been averaging 30.5 points a game and the Boston Celtics are currently first in the Eastern Conference with a 21-5 Record. Tatum has bounced back from his playoff struggles and NBA finals struggled from last season and hasn’t missed a beat this year. Tatum could potentially move up a couple spots in the MVP ladder if he keeps up his play and if the Celtics also remain atop of the East. 

  1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors 

Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Curry, arguably the best three point shooter of all time, finds himself having another MVP type caliber season. Curry is Coming off an Impressive campaign last season and another NBA finals trophy to his NBA resume. He’s currently averaging 30 points a game this season, despite having a great year thus far the Warriors success will also reflect on Curry’s MVP chances. If the Warriors miss out on the playoffs that could potentially knockout curry from the MVP race. 

  1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Kim Klement | USA TODAY Sports

Durant has been the Nets bright spot this season averaging 27.3  points a game. Durant has been the number one option for the Nets and the most consistent scorer. If Durant can lead the Nets to the playoffs and the Nets stay healthy it could potentially help his MVP case. With Durants efforts the Nets are currently 17-12 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. Durant is to be taken seriously when he is locked in; it’s a scary sight to see for opposing NBA teams. 

Notable Mentions:
Joel Embiid,  Philadelphia 76ers
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

Dec 13, 2022 No Comments
Damian Lillard’s Record Shooting Night Helps Portland Beat Minnesota (133-112)

Damian Lillard’s Record Shooting Night Helps Portland Beat Minnesota (133-112)

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by | Dec 12, 2022 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

Both teams played each other the other night and Portland got the best of Minnesota. Minnesota was looking to get that revenge tonight but Damian Lillard made it challenging. This was a great effort in the first quarter for the Timberwolves as things were clicking as a unit. The Timberwolves kept this one close in the 1st half as it seemed like they countered them anytime Portland made a run. It was the second half when Dame Time actually took over as the house was on fire in Portland. Damian Lillard was on fire as soon as he got past half-court and it didn’t matter who was guarding him. You’re in serious trouble when you have a player that hot and seeing the ball go in as much as it did tonight. Dame was hitting anything that he put up and all you could do is tip your hat off to the man. On the night Damian Lillard finished the game with 38 points and he played an amazing game. Damian Lillard finished the game with 11 (3 Pointers) for the 3rd time in his career. The TrailBlazers made 21 3-pointers tonight and any time a team is that hot from 3-point land it’s going to be rough.

 

Tonight Lillard had a lot of help and it was Jerami Grant who stepped up to help with the scoring. Grant was scoring inside and out tonight against the Timberwolves as they had put Reid, Edwards, and McDaniels on him. Grant was making some great plays to get his teammates involved. When Grant’s playing like this it’s hard to really slow down a two-way player because his offense makes his defense. Jerami Grant is the ultimate teammate and proved tonight that he doesn’t care who’s on him he will find the right teammate. The TrailBlazers made the Timberwolves work for everything they got tonight and it was tough to watch if you’re a Timberwolves fan. The Timberwolves bright spot for tonight was D’Angelo Russell who scored 23 points and was able to get his teammates involved with 8 assists. Anthony Edwards had a down night as he just finished with 17 points but one thing about Edwards he will play his butt off until the final buzzer.

 

It was an off night for the Timberwolves overall as a unit but this is what the NBA is all about. You play 82 games and it was just two games that the Timberwolves let get away as the TrailBlazers made them pay in the transition/turnover game. The Timberwolves just couldn’t stop Damian Lillard tonight and at one point he was drawing double teams that opened things up for his Portland teammates. This is one of those games you forget about and continue to move forward in the season as they head to LA. It will be a great matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers as the Timberwolves are looking to bounce back.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dec 12, 2022 No Comments
The Minnesota Timberwolves Lose A Close One In Portland (124-118)

The Minnesota Timberwolves Lose A Close One In Portland (124-118)

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by | Dec 10, 2022 | Featured, NBA

 

 

The Minnesota Timberwolves were coming into this back-to-back with a win against Utah. Tonight they ran into a Trailblazers team that was ready and waiting. The Timberwolves had 5 players in double digits as they were trying to slow down Portland. This was one of those games that were neck and neck the whole time as both teams were scoring at a high rate. Anthony Edwards was doing his part scoring and he’s been turning into a true two-way player right before our eyes. Anthony Edwards has been learning how to get into passing lanes and turning that into easy points. Edwards has been in a groove lately and he was able to finish with 26 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds on the night.

 

D’Angelo Russell has been on a roll with his scoring as of late in the 4th quarter. The Timberwolves needed it against Portland but you can’t get them every night. Russell did have a great game finishing with 24 points, 3 assists, and 1 rebound. When Russell has the chance to showcase his passing ability it puts the Timberwolves in a better position tonight they defended him with doubles preventing it. Rudy Gobert was matched up with Jusuf Nurkić on the night as both of them battled it out. Rudy finished with 24 points, 2 assists, and 9 rebounds but Portland made him work for every point. The Timberwolves needed some more points down the stretch and it comes down to taking care of the ball in crunch time. It’s all about taking care of the ball and playing at your own pace and the TrailBlazers had them speeding up the tempo. Once you speed the tempo up when you’re better in half-court it messes up the rhythm. The Timberwolves are going to be able to get some payback as they play the TrailBlazers again Monday.

 

Portland was still pissed off from losing to the Nuggets the other night and made it a point to win tonight. Damian Lillard came out firing and he was on his Dame Time from the jump. When Lillard is in a zone like he was in tonight it doesn’t matter who you have on him. The Timberwolves will definitely look at the footage and see how they can avoid that moving forward. On the night Damian Lillard had 36 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds. Dame was able to get his teammates involved early and he was able to get his offense going too. When Dame plays like this he makes the TrailBlazers a lot better and he gets his teammates to believe the same thing.

 

One of those players that have been believing that Portland can make some noise alongside Damian Lillard is Anfernee Simons. Tonight Simons had 31 points and was able to make the Timberwolves pay if they doubled Lillard. Simons has been able to make teams pay when they pay too much attention to Dame. If they both can play at this high level every night then the TrailBlazers can be a great pick to sneak into the playoffs just like Minnesota.

 

These two teams will go back at it for Round 2 on Tuesday as Minnesota tries to get an even split in this season series.

Dec 10, 2022 No Comments
Timberwolves Take Care Of Business In Gobert’s Return To Utah (118-108)

Timberwolves Take Care Of Business In Gobert’s Return To Utah (118-108)

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by | Dec 9, 2022 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this game after a big win against Indiana. This was a big game because this was Rudy Gobert’s first time back in Utah as a visitor after the blockbuster trade that shook up the NBA world. Rudy Gobert let it be known that Utah will always be home as he played in Utah for 9 years. The way he came out tonight and put on a show looked like he wanted to let the current Jazz team know it was still his house. The Jazz did a nice tribute for Rudy Gobert after the first timeout and they gave him a standing ovation. Rudy was able to get a dunk in the first play of the game, which set the stage for the rest of his dominant evening. There was no player on the Utah Jazz that was able to guard Rudy and it was undeniable. Rudy was able to get putbacks and was able to get position whenever he wanted in the paint against Kessler. On the night Rudy Gobert finished with 22 points & 13 rebounds and was able to set the tone for the night for Minnesota.

 

The players on the Timberwolves played off the energy of the crowd but also Rudy’s energy as they definitely had his back tonight. D’Angelo Russell has been putting on a show as he’s proving to everyone that he can be one of the best scorers in the NBA on this stretch he’s been on. Tonight the Jazz had one of his old teammates trying to guard him in Beasley/Conley/Clarkson. It doesn’t matter who’s guarding Russell when he’s in attack mode and he was able to showcase his mid-range tonight a couple of times as he slithered through the Jazz defense. When Russell’s transition sets up his offense like it did tonight he’s special to watch and he’s unstoppable. Russell has been a beast when it comes down to 2nd half as he was able to finish the game with 30 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds. Anthony Edwards struggled tonight from the field but still made a great addition on the defensive end. Overall the Timberwolves were able to come back and get this win especially after blowing a 15-point lead.

 

It seems as though the Timberwolves like to fight back in games instead of hold leads but they’re still getting the job done. The Timberwolves play in a back-to-back as they will be heading to Portland tomorrow. The Wolves will be looking to get another win in the win column as they look to build off tonight’s win.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Dec 9, 2022 No Comments