Well, I wanted a bit of time to process everything that was this season - the highs and the lows. Now I feel I am ready to reflect on the season and look towards the future.

Synopsis of the Season
Minnesota started the season with the expectation from national media that they wouldn't be too much of a factor. Most expected them to ride the line of .500 and make their way into the playoffs via the play-in tournament. On the first night of the season, they were right. The Wolves weren't terribly great against the Raptors in game 1, but this would prove to be an outlier going forward. After that, Minnesota played stifling defense and efficient offense all the way into the playoffs. 
The season had its ups and downs of course. The Wolves cruised into the new year, maintaining their position as the 1 seed in the West. They would start to falter though in February when Karl-Anthony Towns would go down due to a meniscus injury. Minnesota wouldn't fall off the map, but they would allow an opening for teams like Denver and Oklahoma City to edge their way into that top spot a few times. KAT would return before the end of the season as the Wolves were fighting for a top 3 spot in the playoffs.
This season also featured two All-Stars from Minnesota in KAT and Anthony Edwards. KAT even made history in the big game, posting 50 points in the West's loss to the East. The Wolves held the number 1 spot in the conference for only the second time in franchise history, and they also held it for the longest amount of time in franchise history, the only ever time coming back in 2004. Minnesota would finish the season with the league's number 1 rated defense, by multiple points. This became the team's identity over the season.

Playoffs
Minnesota would enter the playoffs as the West's 3rd seed, and somehow an underdog against the 6th seeded Phoenix Suns. In fact, plenty of national media members were picking the Suns to defeat the Wolves in 5 games. Minnesota would come onto the scene in this year's playoffs with a chip on their shoulder, and rightfully so. The Wolves would go out and defeat the Suns in 4 games, the franchise's first ever series sweep. In fact, half the games weren't very close. Games 1 and 3 were won by at least 15 points. Even in the games in which were close, Minnesota was able to find their way to victory via great 3rd and 4th quarters - which showed incredible poise for a team and state typically lacking those things. Suddenly, Minnesota was the talk of the NBA - with many national hosts saying the Wolves should be in the NBA title conversation. 
Their next series though, would be even tougher then before the Phoenix series. Many folks believed that now the Wolves would pull down the Nuggets in short order, even though Denver was the defending champion. The series would play out much differently then anyone would expect. Minnesota would roar out to a 2-0 lead, defeating the Nuggets by a sizeable margin in both games in Ball Arena. Then, Denver would kick Minnesota's ass back in Target Center. It seemed neither team could win in their own arena. Denver would win Game 5 as well, and by that point - most of the national media had all but abandoned Minnesota as a title contender, saying they had never really been that good and that the defending champions can take down anyone even if not at full strength. Games 6 and 7 would yet again give a whiplash effect. Minnesota would decisively win Game 6 at Target Center, with the game seemingly over at halftime. In Game 7, only Minnesota's second ever, the script would yet again flip. The Wolves wouldn't play a great 1st half in Ball Arena, with the Nuggets sitting at a somewhat comfortable 15 point lead at halftime. Shortly into the 3rd quarter, it would grow to a 20 point lead. Then, Minnesota turned on the engine finally. The Wolves would slowly find their way back into the game and would defeat the Nuggets by 8. It was the largest game 7 deficit in NBA playoff history that the Wolves overcame. 
Now the Wolves found themselves only 4 wins away from a chance to win a NBA title. Unfortunately it seems they lost the energy they had in the previous two series, as Dallas seemed to best Minnesota in the places were they were great before. The Wolves, up to this point, had been great in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the games regardless of how bad the first half was. That wasn't the case in the Western Conference Finals. Dallas always seemed to have that edge in the 4th quarter to close out several close games where the Wolves were ahead. Minnesota would win Game 4 in Dallas to avoid being swept, but would get shellacked in Game 5 to close out the season. They really just ran out of gas in my opinion. Especially since the Mavs would end up getting boat raced in the NBA Finals by the Boston Celtics.

Overall this season was a pretty great one for the Wolves. After the dust has settled on the 2023-24, many folks (both national and regional) believe the Wolves belong in the NBA title conversation for next season. I tend to agree as well. While this season was most certainly a special opportunity, since hardly anyone not following this team believe they could do this, it was also a great year of growth. Anthony Edwards is a bonafide superstar now, and don't forget he is only 23 years old! He has taken a leap in his play each season since entering the league at 19. Karl-Anthony Towns proved in this year's playoffs that he belongs and shines on a playoff team, especially with his improved defensive effort. Rudy Gobert proved that he was by no means a bad trade, given some gusto to the multiple big lineup that everyone in NBA media clowned last season. He also won his record third Defensive Player of the Year award! Speaking of awards, Naz Reid was rewarded for his spectacular play off the bench this season with his first Sixth Man of the Year award. Reid really resonates with Minnesota fans, with his name being plastered all over town. The special beach towel that was given away at his theme night continues to be seen all across the state and the nation as a whole. Other awards were the Social Justice Player of the Year in Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Teammate of the Year award given to Mike Conley. Anthony Edwards was also named to the All-NBA 2nd team, and Jaden McDaniels named to the All-Defensive team. 
The crazy part folks, I don't think this team has reached their height yet. The core of this team is still so young, in Ant and Jaden as well as Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Its going to be fun watching these guys continue to progress in their careers in Minnesota! 

Fortunately, we have the opportunity to watch more of Anthony Edwards and his excellent talent on the court - as he will play for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics this month! Rudy Gobert will be playing for Team France at the Olympics, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be playing for Team Canada. 

Until next season folks
​#WolvesBack

Well, that isn't what we were expecting.

Final: Dallas Mavericks 108 Minnesota Timberwolves 105
Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters
J. McDaniels 24 pts 9-15 FG 6-9 3PT 4 REB 3 AST 1 STL
R. Gobert 12 pts 4-8 FG 4-6 FT 7 REB 1 AST 1 STL
K. Towns 16 pts 6-20 FG 2-9 FG 2-2 FT 7 REB 2 AST 1 STL
M. Conley 6 pts 2-7 FG 1-6 3PT 1-4 FT 3 REB 3 AST 2 STL
A. Edwards 19 pts 6-16 FG 5-12 3PT 2-2 FT 11 REB 8 AST 2 STL
Bench:
K. Anderson 11 pts 5-8 FG 1-3 3PT 2 REB 2 AST
N. Reid 15 pts 5-9 FG 3-6 3PT 2-4 FT 5 REB 2 AST 1 STL 1 BLK
N. Alexander-Walker 2 pts 1-6 FG 0-4 3PT 1 REB 2 AST

Game summary:
Well, this game started off good for Minnesota. The Wolves had an alright first half and landed at the break with a 3 point lead after allowing a late and-one to Kyrie. Something that will be crucial throughout the series is limiting the second chance points. My gosh this game, Dallas had a ton of them! It also seems that Minnesota was ok with allowing more paint points if it meant the Mavs didn't kill them from 3. That, in my opinion, is going to be a losing game. Minnesota should be trying to clear the paint, as that could be why we struggled on the defensive glass tonight. We also tried similar drop coverage that we have used in the first two series this year, and it did not work at all. Now towards the end of the game we added some blitzing in to try and stun Luka, which did seem to work most of the time. Unfortunately we kinda implemented it too late, as any basket was going to propel Dallas to victory in the last 2 minutes. Minnesota ended up missing several buckets late in the 4th that Dallas would end up making and they won by 3. 

Injury Report
Mike Conley played tonight after remaining on the injury report for his sore achilles. I would be very worried about both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Anthony Edwards after tonight's game. NAW appeared to pull a tendon on the top of his foot mid-way through the 4th quarter and I don't believe he returned to the game. Edwards looked extremely sluggish in the 4th quarter. Originally I thought he just looked gassed, but I have never seen Ant this sluggish. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear he got sick or something late in the game. Hopefully both players are ok and ready to go for Game 2.

Up Next
The Wolves and Mavs go back at it on Friday at 7:30 PM CT at Target Center for Game 2. The game will be broadcast on TNT.

​#WolvesBack

The Wolves are still here folks! Its time to turn our attention towards the next opponent in front of them, the Dallas Mavericks.

Series Preview
First question that I know needs to be asked is: what can the Nuggets series teach these Wolves about how to win in the playoffs? Well, one thing is for sure, you cannot take anything for granted anymore. Minnesota had a 2-0 series lead over Denver, and then lost 3 straight. That can't happen anymore. I know many believe Dallas to not be to the level that Denver was at, but I don't care - this is the Western Conference Finals. You are going to get everyone's best, as this is the last opponent standing between you and a trip to the NBA Finals. 
Something you always say before a series starts is, you have to take care of home court. That is because it is so crucial, especially for the team starting the series at home. Especially after last series, if Minnesota can get out to an early 2-0 lead - that is always a good thing. But obviously, you need to also keep your foot on the gas if that happens, you cannot let the Mavs back in if that happens.

Strengths of Each Team
Obviously as we all know, the biggest strength of the Wolves this year, is their stifling defense. The reigning champs had been held under 100 12 times this season, and 6 of those were handed to them by Minnesota. Minnesota needs to stick to their gameplan to have a good chance of getting past Dallas. Minnesota's defense typically then translates to fantastic offense that can even be explosive at times. Dallas' defense is probably their only weakness. During the regular season, while the Wolves led the league in defensive rating, the Mavs were 18th in defensive rating - a full 6 points behind Minnesota.
The real fun matchup will come between Minnesota's suffocating defense and Dallas' star powered offense. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic highlight this offense, but they can score with multiple players like Tim Hardaway Jr and Dereck Lively. I am expecting Ant to matchup on Kyrie for the majority of time, providing quite a challenge. After that it will have to be Jaden McDaniels on Doncic. 

History
Minnesota is 10-2 against the Mavericks in the last two seasons, a fairly impressive clip and I believe that is their best record against a playoff team this season. Now this doesn't mean that the Wolves will have this series handed to them, they need to win 4 games. They cannot let that record change their attitude. They need to play with confidence, aggressiveness, and strength. In games 1 and 2, they need to keep the crowd in the game and feed off that energy. This is such a winnable series for Minnesota, but it doesn't matter what I or anybody else outside says - the Wolves need to hammer down and beat these Mavs!

Schedule
Here is the full series schedule for the Western Conference Finals vs Dallas:
Game 1: vs. Dallas 5/22 at 7:30 PM
Game 2: vs. Dallas 5/24 at 7:30 PM
Game 3: @ Dallas 5/26 at 7 PM
Game 4: @ Dallas 5/28 at 7:30 PM
Game 5*: vs. Dallas 5/30 at 7:30 PM
Game 6*: @ Dallas 6/1 at 7:30 PM
Game 7*: vs. Dallas 6/3 at 7:30 PM
* if necessary - All times Central
All games of the WCF will be broadcast on TNT.

Lets go for Game 1 tomorrow night!! Its gonna be a party in Minneapolis and Target Center, lets get hyped Wolves fans!!!

​#WolvesBack

YOUR MINNESOTA FREAKING TIMBERWOLVES ARE HEADED TO THE THEIR SECOND EVER WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!

Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 98 Denver Nuggets 90
Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters
J. McDaniels 23 pts 7-10 FG 3-4 3PT 6-7 FT 6 REB 1 AST 2 STL 1 BLK
R. Gobert 13 pts 3-7 FG 7-9 FT 9 REB 1 AST 1 STL 2 BLK 6 fouls
K. Towns 23 pts 8-14 FG 1-6 3PT 6-6 FT 12 REB 2 AST 2 STL 1 BLK
M. Conley 10 pts 3-10 FG 3-5 3PT 1-2 FT 8 REB 4 AST 2 STL
A. Edwards 16 pts 6-24 FG 2-10 3PT 2-2 FT 8 REB 7 AST 2 STL
Bench:
K. Anderson 2 pts 0-1 FG 2-2 FT 1 AST 4 min
N. Reid 11 pts 4-7 FG 1-4 3PT 2-2 FT 4 REB 1 AST
N. Alexander-Walker 0 pts 0-6 FG 0-5 3PT 1 AST 

Game summary:
I am still stunned folks!! Minnesota had a good start to the game, but Denver changed their gameplan after an early timeout that stifled the pack for the rest of the first two quarters. However, something flipped inside the Wolves, as after being down 15 at half, and 20 just a couple minutes into the 3rd quarter. Suddenly the defense starting finding their footing more consistently (and was able to get Scott Foster off their back for a bit) - which led to some wide open shots on the other end. While Anthony Edwards struggled most of the game, his shots he hit were in the last two quarters, when it mattered the most. Karl-Anthony Towns had himself one hell of a game and was the only reason the Wolves weren't down by 30 at half. He was able to control himself for the majority of the game, and did not foul out despite Foster's constant attempts to get him out. Jaden McDaniels had himself a game also! Jaden had 20+ tonight, and his second game in a row - which is a first for him in his NBA career, on top of his stifling defense! 
The Wolves just seemed to find everything they needed at the right time! They outscored Denver 28-14 in the 3rd quarter, and 32-23 in the 4th quarter to pull off the biggest comeback in game 7 history!

Injury Report:
Mike Conley was still listed on the injury report with his Achilles soreness, but played again tonight for Game 7.
Anthony Edwards was not listed on the injury report before game 7, and played the entire game.

Up Next:
The Wolves will now turn their attention to the Dallas Mavericks, who have beaten the LA Clippers (1st round) and just recently the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (conference semis). Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will begin on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 PM CT.

Look for my series recap/preview early this week!

#WolvesBack
​#OnToTheNext

The Wolves just made a statement! From the opening tip, Minnesota had all the energy and all the momentum. After a brief Nuggets run of 9-2, Minnesota went on a 20-0 run and never looked back! 

Final: Denver Nuggets 70 Minnesota Timberwolves 115
Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. McDaniels 21 pts 8-10 FG 3-5 3PT 2-2 FT 4 REB 1 AST 1 STL 2 BLK
R. Gobert 8 pts 4-8 FG 0-2 FT 14 REB 2 AST 1 STL
K. Towns 10 pts 4-10 FG 0-4 3PT 2-2 FT 13 REB 5 AST
M. Conley 13 pts 5-9 FG 3-6 3PT 4 REB 5 AST 1 BLK
A. Edwards 27 pts 8-17 FG 4-9 3PT 7-8 FT 4 REB 4 AST 3 STL
Bench:
J. Minott 0 pts 0-3 FG 0-1 3PT 3 REB 5 min
K. Anderson 4 pts 0-2 FG 4-4 FT 3 REB 3 AST 1 STL 1 BLK 11 min
L. Garza 8 pts 2-3 FG 1-2 3PT 3-4 FT 2 REB 8 min
N. Reid 10 pts 4-12 FG 0-4 3PT 2-2 FT 11 REB 1 AST 1 STL
M. Morris 3 pts 1-4 FG 1-3 3PT 2 AST 1 STL 9 min
J. McLaughlin 2 pts 1-1 FG 3 REB 8 min
N. Alexander-Walker 9 pts 3-5 FG 3-5 3PT 1 AST
W. Moore Jr 0 pts 0-2 FG 0-1 3PT 1 REB 2 AST 1 STL 7 min

Game summary:
Well folks, the Wolves had lost three straight for the first time this season before tonight's Game 6. Minnesota decided it wouldn't get to 4 in a row.
While Denver pushed out to a 9-2 lead early in the 1st quarter, Minnesota responded in full and dominating force scoring the next 20 points. All of it would continue in the consecutive quarters. The Nuggets would come within 12 in the mid part of the 3rd quarter, but the Wolves quickly put a stop to that - going on another double-digit run to lead into the 4th quarter. After the final frame started, it was pretty much all Minnesota from there. Denver would only be allowed to score 9 points in the 4th quarter, while Minnesota had its second highest frame of the night with 29.

Injury Report
After missing Game 5, Mike Conley returned tonight. I wouldn't expect him to be off the injury report for Game 7, but I would think he will play.
Anthony Edwards took a really hard fall late in the 3rd quarter that really kept him on the floor for a while. He would come back to play for a few more minutes until he was subbed out and briefly brought to the locker room. Ant would return though to start the 4th quarter until the bench was emptied 4 minutes in. Hopefully nothing tightens up overnight and Ant is ready to go for Game 7.

Up Next
Now we await Game 7 in Denver, which will be played on Sunday. We do not know gametime yet, but TNT will be broadcasting it. If no other game 7 is being played that day I would expect the game to be mid-afternoon or primetime in the evening.

#WolvesBack

Yeah, this sucks.

Final: Denver Nuggets 117 Minnesota Timberwolves 90
Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. McDaniels 10 pts 4-6 FG 0-2 3PT 2-4 FT 3 REB 1 STL 2 BLK
R. Gobert 6 pts 3-5 FG 0-2 FT 4 REB 1 AST
K. Towns 14 pts 4-7 FG 4-5 3PT 2-2 FT 5 REB 3 AST
M. Conley 10 pts 3-9 FG 1-5 3PT 3-3 FT 6 REB 6 AST 1 STL
A. Edwards 19 pts 8-15 FG 3-8 3PT 6 REB 5 AST 1 BLK
Bench:
J. Minott 3 pts 1-3 FG 1-2 3PT 2 REB 2 AST 6 min
TJ Warren 0 pts 0-2 FG 0-1 3PT 2 REB 1 AST 6 min
K. Anderson 3 pts 1-3 FG 1-2 FT 1 AST 2 STL
L. Garza 8 pts 2-2 FG 4-4 FT 2 REB 6 min
N. Reid 7 pts 2-7 FG 1-3 3PT 2-2 FT 1 REB 1 AST 1 STL
M. Morris 4 pts 1-4 FG 0-1 3PT 2-2 FT 1 REB 6 min
J. McLaughlin 0 pts 0-3 FG 0-3 3PT 0-2 FT 1 AST 8 min
N. Alexander-Walker 6 pts 2-5 FG 0-3 3PT 2-2 FT 2 AST

Game summary:
From the jump, Denver came out with much more intensity and physicality then Minnesota. It showed early on. The Nuggets also couldn't miss a shot. While the Wolves kept up with them for most of the 1st quarter, it wouldn't last. Minnesota isn't built to get into a high scoring affair with Denver, and they soon went cold. The Wolves would find themselves down 18 at half. Nothing said at halftime would seem to fix this, as Minnesota continued the downward spiral. Nothing seemed to click and the Nuggets just had all the answers. 
Now, on the other hand, Minnesota really wasn't allowed to be physical - and that started fairly early on too. If your name wasn't Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray, you got called for anything like a minor bump to a major shove. Rudy Gobert got called for a foul guarding Jokic, when Gobert completely barreled right into him and he wasn't driving downhill to the basket, just posting up. But, many figured this would happen since the crew was led by infamous Tony Brothers - who is notorious for calling a hyper focused game against Minnesota. The Wolves just couldn't quite overcome any of that.
Now, I don't see this game as a cause for alarm, since this is an adjustment thing. Denver adjusted and punched the Wolves in the mouth. On Sunday, we will see how they respond. 

Injury Report
Nickeil Alexander-Walker left the game early in the 4th quarter after he appeared to injure his left shoulder, which he also appeared to injure earlier in the game. He went to the locker room. As of now, the Wolves have not listed him on the injury report heading into Game 4, so I am expecting this to be a non-issue.

Up Next
Minnesota and Denver will battle again in Game 4, that could prove to be a defining moment in the series. Tipoff is at 7 PM, tomorrow night at Target Center, and will be broadcast on TNT.

​#WolvesBack

The Wolves straight up dominated game 2 in Denver last night!

Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 106 Denver Nuggets 80

Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. McDaniels 5 pts 2-7 FG 0-1 3PT 1-2 FT 2 REB 3 AST 2 STL 1 BLK
K. Anderson 6 pts 3-8 FG 0-1 3PT 9 REB 8 AST 2 STL 1 BLK
K. Towns 27 pts 10-15 FG 3-5 3PT 4-4 FT 12 REB 1 AST 1 STL 2 BLK
M. Conley 4 pts 2-5 FG 0-2 3PT 0-1 FT 3 REB 6 AST 2 STL 1 BLK
A. Edwards 27 pts 11-17 FG 1-4 3PT 4-7 FT 2 REB 7 AST 2 STL
Bench:
J. Minott 3 pts 1-1 FG 1-1 3PT 3 min
L. Miller 0 pts 0-1 FG 0-1 3PT 2 REB 3 min
L. Garza 2 pts 1-2 FG 1 AST 3 min
N. Reid 14 pts 5-14 FG 4-8 3PT 5 REB 1 STL 4 BLK
M. Morris 2 pts 1-4 FG 0-3 3PT 1 STL 8 min
J. McLaughlin 0 pts 1 AST 3 min
N. Alexander-Walker 14 pts 5-9 FG 4-7 3PT 6 REB 1 AST 3 BLK
W. Moore Jr 2 pts 1-1 FG 1 REB 3 min

Game Summary:
Minnesota started this game trailing as Denver hit the opening shot with Aaron Gordon. However, the Wolves would take the lead and build a sizeable advantage again early for the second game in a row. The Nuggets would catch up, but the Wolves were better able to fend them off this time, ending the 1st quarter with an 8 point lead.
For pretty much the rest of the game, it would be all Minnesota! It started with a great 2nd quarter for the pack, only allowing 15 points in the frame. They ended the half with a near 30 point lead. In the 3rd quarter, Denver clawed back slightly, but that only ended up with a 20 point lead for Minnesota. In the 4th quarter, Anthony Edwards arrived to the party and helped the Wolves to a 26 point victory!!
Keep in mind folks, this was without the potential Defensive Player of the Year! 

Injury Report
Center Rudy Gobert was not present in Denver for the Game 2 due to the birth of his first child, back in Minneapolis. Both baby and mother are doing well, and Rudy will be available for Game 3 in Minnesota.
Head Coach Chris Finch is still dealing with quite a bit of pain in his knee that he had surgically repaired earlier last week. He was on the bench again for Game 2.

Up Next
Now we shift the series back to Minnesota. Game 3 will tipoff on Friday at 8:30 PM CT on ESPN at Target Center. 

Lets get rockin' Wolves fans!!!
​#WolvesBack

Damn, that was quite the game!!

Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 106 Denver Nuggets 99

Stats:
Minnesota:
Starters:
J. McDaniels 0 pts 0-7 FG 0-2 3PT 8 REB 1 AST 1 BLK
R. Gobert 6 pts 3-6 FG 13 REB 3 AST 1 STL 3 BLK
K. Towns 20 pts 8-13 FG 2-4 3PT 2-4 FT 4 REB 3 AST 
M. Conley 14 pts 5-8 FG 3-4 3PT 1-1 FT 4 REB 10 AST 1 STL
A. Edwards 43 pts 17-29 FG 3-7 FG 6-6 FT 7 REB 
Bench:
K. Anderson 2 pts 1-1 FG 2 REB 1 AST 12 min
N. Reid 16 pts 7-11 FG 2-4 3PT 0-1 FT 4 REB 3 AST 1 STL
M. Morris 0 pts 0-1 FG 3 min
N. Alexander-Walker 5 pts 2-6 FG 1-5 3PT

Game Summary:
The Wolves got off to a very fast start against the hostile Denver crowd. In the opening 5 minutes, Minnesota made the Nuggets call two timeouts amidst an 18-4 run. However, Denver roared back and had a 23-4 run of their own to take the lead going into the 2nd quarter. For the majority of the rest of the game, it was very back and forth - really just trading punches in an opening round fight. As don't forget folks, this is only game 1. 
In the 4th quarter though, the real superstar took over. Anthony Edwards started hot in the game, putting up 16 points in the first quarter and only missed one shot. He continued in the 2nd quarter, as he had 25 at halftime. While most of his third quarter was quiet, he heated up towards the end that spilled into the 4th. Whenever the Wolves needed a bucket, Ant had it - no matter where on the floor. Naz Reid also finally had some good minutes, as he ended up with 16, all in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Towards the end of the game, Minnesota nearly crumbled away its lead with about 2:40 left, but they tightened up and clamped Denver to finish with the game 1 win! 
This is Minnesota's first win the second round since 2004 when they beat the Kings in game 7 to advance to their first ever Western Conference final. I would not expect anything to come easy here, but the Wolves game 1 win cannot be understated - this is big for this team. In my opinion, they are playing with house money in Game 2 as all they needed was at least one win in Denver in the first two games to feel confident for the rest of the series. Not saying this means anything - but its a magnificent start!

Injury Report
Wolves Head Coach did have surgery on his knee to repair the injury he suffered late in the 4th quarter of the series clinching win in Phoenix last week. However, coach is powering through and was indeed on the sidelines for game 1 in Denver tonight, and is expected to remain there through the rest of the series.

Up Next
We head on to Game 2, which will be on Monday at 9 PM CT in Denver. The game will be broadcast on TNT.

​#WolvesBack

So, its a great time to be a Wolves fan! Minnesota took down Phoenix for their first series sweep and for their second ever first round series win.

How did Minnesota win their second first round series ever?
Well, its actually fairly simple. The Wolves were allowed to play their game, they played smothering defense which leads them to play team offense. When they are allowed to play at their pace, the team can spread the floor on offense and really pack a punch. 
Minnesota's defense has been good all season long, but in the first round they stepped it up a notch. They faced a challenge from a team that they didn't even sniff a victory against in the regular season. In order to turn the tide, they put together a tough game plan for the first two games. The Wolves decided that they shouldn't try to focus their efforts on shutting down Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, or at least directly. Instead, they focused on playing tight defense on the role players and their two next best players, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Along with playing tight man-to-man defense, they would allow all five Wolves players to switch onto any of the Suns' players, including Gobert onto Durant at times. They were able to do this because of the ability to clog the passing lanes around the court. Minnesota was so tough on defense, that Phoenix was hardly able to bring the ball up the floor at times without seeing trouble. This completely knocked the Suns' off their gameplan and the offense down a notch. Minnesota was then able to capitalize on that to sink plenty of shots when they needed to. They were even able to gain the open shot opportunities that other teams wouldn't dream of allowing. That is how they beat the Suns. 

Nuggets Series Preview
This one will be even tougher then Phoenix. While the Suns presented the challenge of a prolific offense that was one of the NBA's best during the regular season, they didn't pose much of a threat on defense. What they lacked on that end of the floor, Denver gains and more. The Nuggets also have more of a surgical offense, which is especially tricky with Jokic being a shooter that can sink the ball from anywhere on the floor. Obviously, Minnesota's gameplan will have to start with defense again. The Wolves will have to limit the other 4 players on the floor and play stifling defense in order to keep the Nuggets in check. When Minnesota has open shots, they need to hit them - as several players like NAW and Naz Reid could definitely find themselves open. I would expect Ant to be double-teamed at all times, and potentially them putting lots of contact on KAT as well to try to get him in foul trouble. The Wolves will need to keep their heads this series and try to keep the emotion out of the game, we can't afford players like Jaden getting technicals even if its the other team's fault. All eyes will be on this series, especially Ant now that we have swept the Suns and made waves in national sports media. They need to take it in stride.
Both teams will be mostly healthy so they can't bank on anyone not being present, so we will see the best of both squads.

Series Schedule
The series will begin on Saturday, May 4th in Denver for game 1. The schedule will be as follows:
Game 1: @ Denver 5/4 6 PM CT
Game 2: @ Denver 5/6 9 PM CT
Game 3: vs. Denver 5/10 8:30 PM CT
Game 4: vs. Denver 5/12 7 PM CT
Game 5: @ Denver 5/14 TBD*
Game 6: vs. Denver 5/16 TBD*
Game 7: @ Denver 5/19 TBD*
* If necessary
Games 1, 2, and 4 will be broadcast on TNT and Game 3 on ESPN. The other three will be decided later. All games will be national televised in the conference semifinals, which means there will be no simulcast from Bally Sports North. 

Here we go in the 2nd round!!!

#WolvesBack

The Minnesota Timberwolves just concluded a series sweep over the Phoenix Suns to advance to the second round for only the second time in franchise history!

Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 122 Phoenix Suns 116

Stats:
Minnesota
Starters:
J. McDaniels 18 pts 6-12 FG 1-4 3PT 5-5 FT 3 REB 1 AST 1 BLK
R. Gobert 9 pts 3-9 FG 3-3 FT 5 REB 1 AST 1 STL 2 BLK
K. Towns 28 pts 11-17 FG 4-6 3PT 2-3 FT 10 REB 3 AST
M. Conley 10 pts 2-10 FG 2-6 3PT 4-5 FT 4 REB 7 AST 1 STL
A. Edwards 40 pts 13-23 FG 7-13 3PT 7-10 FT 9 REB 6 AST 1 STL 2 BLK
Bench:
K. Anderson 4 pts 2-5 FG 7 REB 2 AST
N. Reid 8 pts 2-4 FG 1-2 3PT 3-4 FT 3 REB 1 BLK
N. Alexander-Walker 5 pts 2-9 FG 0-5 3PT 1-1 FT 3 REB 4 AST 2 STL

Game Summary:
Minnesota didn't really start out very well in game 4. The Suns started off quite hot in the first half, finishing at a 50/50/90 line at halftime - an extreme rarity for the Minnesota defense. Fortunately for the Wolves, Karl-Anthony Towns had an efficient attack for the first half that kept them in the game and were only down 5 at halftime. 
The Wolves put together yet another great 3rd and 4th quarters. In the 3rd the team clawed back at the deficit and Anthony Edwards was a huge part of that. They were only down by a pair heading into the final frame. In the 4th quarter though, Ant became a superstar. He quite literally put the team on his back when they needed it most and propelled Minnesota forward. Early in the 4th, it was continuing to be a chess match - but under 6 minutes left in the game and the Wolves started to find their rhythm again on both sides of the ball. Ant was able to get some key shots up and despite foul trouble the team was able to play smothering defense yet again to grab the lead. Minnesota played fast and physical in crunch time and Phoenix let their guard down which led to a Wolves 6 point victory!
This is the first time in franchise history that the Wolves have swept a 7-game series and only their second time reaching the second round. This is also Minnesota's third series win ever. More broadly, this is the first time any major Minnesota pro sports team has swept a 7-game series!

Injury Report
Kyle Anderson remains on the injury report but played normal minutes last night.
Anthony Edwards appeared to suffer a minor ankle injury late in the win last night, there is no word yet on whether this will affect him going forward.
Head Coach Chris Finch was involved in a freak collision on the bench after Suns guard Devin Booker shoved Mike Conley into Finch standing on the sideline, causing a collision with the fans sitting courtside. Finch was taken off the floor and back to the locker room for evaluation. It sounds like coach has ruptured his patellar tendon and will need surgery. Fortunately for the team, since they swept the Suns they will have at least 5 days off before their next game so Finch does have time to address his injury. I would not expect coach will miss anymore time then necessary immediately following surgery. Hope coach gets better soon, we can't afford to lose him!

Up Next
With the Wolves advancing, we now await the result of the Nuggets-Lakers series that is currently heading to Game 5 with Denver leading 3-1. If the Nuggets win in Game 5, then the series will begin on Saturday. If the Lakers win Game 5 and force a Game 6, then the series will begin next Monday. Lookout for my series preview and Suns series recap sometime this week!

​#WolvesBack