One of the most highly anticipated seasons in Minnesota Timberwolves history tips off tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers in primetime, further indicating that expectations are sky-high. Last year ended in disappointment, which is the same story for all 29 teams not named the Boston Celtics. Yet, getting to the Western Conference Finals was still an incredible accomplishment.

However, now there’s a sense that the 2024-25 Timberwolves need to take another step forward. If not, the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle + Donte DiVincenzo will draw immense scrutiny, even if it may have been partially related to cleaning up the Wolves’ future cap sheet.

Now, with a new Timberwolves season upon us, it’s time to make some bold predictions for the year ahead. Can the Timberwolves take that crucial step forward? Is Anthony Edwards ready to become the face of the NBA?

Related: Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans

Jaden McDaniels averages new career-high in scoring

Jaden McDaniels is both one of the most beloved members on the team and one of the most scrutinized. It wasn’t always this way; he used to simply be a fan favorite for his quiet yet aggressive demeanor, especially on defense. In just four seasons, McDaniels has developed into one of the best defenders in basketball, with the ability to guard anyone from a point guard to a power forward on any given night. It’s why he earned All-Defensive honors last season.

However, McDaniels is rarely ever under the microscope due to his defense. It’s his offense that fans want to see more of. At times, we see a silky smooth jump shot that shows shades of Kevin Durant, whereas other times he hits a cold streak so bad that we can’t help but wonder if another player wouldn’t offer more of a scoring jolt.

• Jaden McDaniels stats (2023): 10.5 PPG, 33.7% 3PT, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Yet, if there’s one thing that you cannot knock about the 24-year-old Seatbelt, it’s that he’s a tireless worker. Now that he’s had another full summer to work on his game, we wouldn’t be shocked to see McDaniels return as a much more consistent scorer, and he could be asked to take more shots now that Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t soaking up 15.3 shots per game. In other words, don’t be surprised if McDaniels blows past his previous career-high scoring average of 12.1 PPG, set in 2022-23.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Reveal the Worst Official Hashtag in Social Media History

Donte DiVincenzo wins NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year

The Timberwolves already have the NBA’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year in fan favorite Naz Reid. He’s likely to see an even bigger workload with the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns, and is likely the team’s power forward of the future. But now he has another scoring stalwart coming off the bench alongside him in Donte DiVincenzo.

As great as Reid is at scoring from anywhere on the floor, DiVincenzo is a much more natural shooter with the ability to heat up like a microwave. He’s constantly working to get himself open, and having a massive shield like Rudy Gobert to set picks for him could set up a ton of open shots.

Although the Wolves plan to give Mike Conley more rest, which could lead to DiVincenzo becoming the replacement starting point guard on certain occasions, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him come close to the same 15.5 PPG scoring average from last season.

Reid averaged 13.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 1.7 stocks per game (blocks + steals) to win his award. “The Big Ragu” may not come close to those rebounding or defensive stats, but if he can shoot 40% from distance again while providing more assists as a playmaker, he just might win his first Sixth Man of the Year award.

Related: When Anthony Edwards Switches to Football He’s Playing Defense

Anthony Edwards wins second NBA MVP in Timberwolves history

Right now, “The Big Ticket” is the greatest Timberwolves player in franchise history. But as crazy as it sounds, Anthony Edwards may not be that far off, even though he’s just entering his fifth season. KG didn’t win his MVP award until his ninth season, but the Timberwolves were never among the league’s elite class until, suddenly, they were.

Meanwhile, this current era of Timberwolves is already among the top championship contenders in the NBA. Some are already saying Ant is the face, or future face of the NBA, but now it’s time to prove it. We all know how confident he is, never backing down from a challenge. Yet, now that he’s gotten a taste of coming so close to the playoffs, we only expect him to come back an even better competitor.

Now that KAT isn’t around as the secondary alpha wolf of this pack, there’s absolutely no question who has the keys to the franchise. Fans knew that all along, but for Ant, it had to be a bit odd grabbing the reigns from a more experienced former No. 1 pick who’s still an All-NBA talent. But now there’s nothing holding him back. If he wants to shoot 30 times a game, he will.

Don’t be surprised if Edwards takes yet another step in his development, grabbing more rebounds and dishing more assists, all while scoring more points thanks to a more consistent shot. It’s only a matter of time before the NBA realizes the league’s best player calls Minnesota home. It might even happen later this year when Edwards wins his first of possibly many MVP awards.

Related: If the Timberwolves Win it All, Anthony Edwards Says He’s Switching Sports… Seriously

Timberwolves set new franchise record in wins

On the surface, this may seem crazy. The Timberwolves’ all-time single season wins record was set in the magical 2003-04 season that saw the team win 58 games and reach the Western Conference Finals. Flip Saunders, Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell led an All-Star cast that looked well on their way to delivering the first championship in franchise history.

Of course, injuries got in the way, and the Timberwolves regressed back to the mean later on. Meanwhile, last year’s Timberwolves often looked like they’d have a chance to beat their all-time wins mark before injuries got in the way too.

Yet, there has to be a specific reason why the Timberwolves felt trading KAT for Randle + DiVincenzo would help them take a step forward. If the trade works out the way Tim Connelly planned, it might lead to a more balanced roster overall and one that helps the team win just more than 58 games, setting a new Timberwolves record.

Related: Nepotism Will Reportedly Be on Full Display in Timberwolves vs Lakers

Minnesota Timberwolves win NBA Finals, 4-1

You didn’t think we’d be able to project the Timberwolves to take a step back, did you? Who did this team lose? Towns? Yes, he’s a fantastic scorer, but we can’t all look ourselves squarely in the mirror and not admit there were some flaws in his game too, such as his propensity to force shots, commit offensive fouls, and often disappear on defense because he’s still complaining about a missed call on the other end of the floor.

Presumably, this team will be a lot more mature as they go through another season together. While there are wily veterans such as Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, and even Tim Connelly’s lookalike in Joe Ingles, the core of this team is still scratching the surface of their potential.

Ant, McDaniels, and Reid are all 25 years old or younger, which means they’ve yet to reach their prime. Only now, there’s been another injection of youth, and some of these young pups can really play. Josh Minott, Luka Garza, and even Rob Dillingham all look like they’re ready to contribute to a winning season. Coach Finch remains one of the best coaches in the NBA. If there’s anyone who can push all the right buttons to maximize the potential of his rotation, it’s Finchy.

The Celtics are great, but they don’t have the same hunger in their stomachs as this starving pack of Wolves. This time, when the Minnesota Timberwolves get on the big stage again, Anthony Edwards and company won’t flinch; they’ll devour every opponent in their path.

• Minnesota Timberwolves defeat Boston Celtics in NBA Finals: 4-1

Related: Has Josh Minott Forced His Way into the Minnesota Timberwolves Rotation?

More must-reads:

• What are Sportsbooks Thinking with These Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Lines…?
• Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans
• Rob Dillingham Flashes Elite Passing Skills in Minnesota Timberwolves’ Preseason Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves will play the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, in the opener of the NBA basketball season. The game will be nationally televised on TNT, as part of an opening night two-game feature, something they do every season… but not a night of festivities the Wolves are normally involved in.

But that’s not the case anymore, not with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, one season removed from a run to the Western Conference Finals. This year, you will see the Wolves play tonight, and again on Christmas, etc. If it’s a marquee day of matchups for the NBA, you can expect the Timberwolves to be involved.

Oddsmakers doubting the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Wolves have the 2nd best odds to win the Western Conference, as of today (+500). Their opponent, the Los Angeles Lakers have the 7th best odd (+1800). But tonight, even though both teams are fully stocked, oddsmakers have Wolves vs Lakers as pretty much a pick-em. Well, not anymore.

As of 1:15 PM, Minnesota is a -1 point favorite at all major sportsbooks. ESPN Bet has them as 1.5 point favorites, a number that has held for days. The same cannot be said at FanDuel, where you could get the Timberwolves as +1 point underdogs this morning. Yes, underdogs. I actually snuck that one in (oh good for me).

No way the Lakers beat the Wolves… right?

Let’s put aside the fact that this line has been so fluid throughout the day, Tuesday. This is either a trap game, or the easiest money that Minnesota Timberwolves fans will make all year. If Anthony Edwards and the new-look Wolves walk into crypto.com Arena tonight and lay an egg vs the Lakers… I will worry about the rest of this season.

Related: When Anthony Edwards Switches to Football He’s Playing Defense

Remember, the Lakers have a new head coach and plan on playing Bronny James off the bench. I just cannot imagine a legitimate reality where an aging Lebron James, JJ Redick and the Lakers outduel Chris Finch, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. But I have been wrong before so don’t listen to me. This article is not betting advice.

More must-reads:

• 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
• Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans
• Rob Dillingham Flashes Elite Passing Skills in Minnesota Timberwolves’ Preseason Game

The Minnesota Twins got back in bed with Diamond Sports Group last season. As tends to be the case when you do a deal with the devil, things went poorly. Major League Baseball has taken over production and distribution of Twins games in 2024.

Minnesota Timberwolves and Wild move to FanDuel Sports Network

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild recently signed a new one-year contract to stay on Bally Sports North. But starting on Monday, Diamond Sports’ collection of regional sports channels will no longer hold their “Bally Sports” branding. Next week, fans will tune into Wolves and Wild games on FanDuel Sports Network.

Bally Sports will become FanDuel Sports Network on October 21!@FanDuel x https://t.co/RSAv8Lw6oP pic.twitter.com/FO0EgqI2tm

— Bally Sports (@BallySports) October 18, 2024

As has been the case for both of their upcoming seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Wild will remain tied to Diamond Sports Group. They will both be offered on the channel previously known as Bally Sports North, and now dubbed FanDuel Sports Network Midwest.

Related: Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards Makes Top 10 Debut in NBA Rankings

How the parent company continues to operate moving forward remains to be seen. Diamond Sports Group must show it has a viable, and stable, path forward. Still dealing with bankruptcy proceedings, the FanDuel partnership is a positive development, but not a saving grace.

As was the case with Bally Sports, FanDuel Network will offer direct-to-consumer streaming options for cord cutters as well.

With Bally Sports North set to be rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network, it's worth noting FanDuel will have the option to buy a 5 percent equity stake in the reorganized company. That's assuming Diamond Sports Group emerges from bankruptcy. The change takes effect on Oct. 21.

— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) October 18, 2024

Related: Are the Minnesota Twins Done with Alex Kirilloff?

What about the Minnesota Twins?

Effectively, the change to FanDuel is mostly just window dressing on a complex problem, especially in the MLB. They will get an influx of cash, due to the naming rights sale. To get to this point, Diamond Sports Group had to shed every MLB organization it once financed, except for one. The only team that will play its games on the FanDuel Sports Network is the Atlanta Braves.

“Collaborating with FanDuel provides a tremendous pathway for Diamond to elevate the fan experience and deepen the incremental value we provide for our team, league and distribution partners. This partnership reinforces opportunities to further strengthen the close connection our RSNs have with local fans, including enhancing our (direct-to-consumer) offering for a growing digital audience. In the meantime, having finalized agreements with the NBA, NHL and our key distributors, we remain focused on moving our business forward and driving value for our team partners and our stakeholders.”

Diamond Sports Group CEO David Preschlack (USA Today)

FanDuel Sports Network will produce games for those teams still under contract. They will also air their own FanDuel TV generated content. It’s a sizable shift in the ever-changing landscape of sports being tied heavily to betting organizations. This was something that always should have been seen as coming, but happening so quickly is quite the change.

Related: Penny-Pinching Minnesota Twins Still Expected to be Active This Offseason

More must-reads:

• 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
• What are Sportsbooks Thinking with These Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Lines…?
• Rob Dillingham Flashes Elite Passing Skills in Minnesota Timberwolves’ Preseason Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves are quickly nearing the end of their 2024 preseason slate. Anthony Edwards and company are looking to take the next step and represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. For them to do so, they’ll need some quality production from rookie Rob Dillingham. He certainly flashed in Friday’s action.

Minnesota Timberwolves may have a gem in Rob Dillingham

When the offseason started there wasn’t a straightforward way for the Minnesota Timberwolves to improve their roster. Up against the luxury tax, they opted to get aggressive in the draft and trade up to get Rob Dillingham. The talented point guard could wind up being a Rookie of the Year candidate, and he’s going to get real rotation minutes for Chris Finch.

Rob Dillingham dished out nine assists to zero turnovers in 23 minutes.

The Timberwolves have set up Dillingham to be in the ideal environment to learn true point guard play from Mike Conley.

Minnesota will be relying on Dillingham this season to play a critical bench role. pic.twitter.com/a1aS01bTHJ

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 12, 2024

Up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, Dillingham’s vision was on full display. He played 23 minutes and dished out nine assists while generating zero turnovers. The talented rookie also picked up three steals and four rebounds. His time on the court equated to a team-high +10.

Rob Dillingham stepback PnR 3 pic.twitter.com/sVsnLr5aOb

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) October 12, 2024

Not everything came up roses for Dillingham though. He was just 2-for-8 from the field, and hit only one of his five three point shot attempts on the evening. Offensively, Finch will be looking for Dillingham to provide a second unit spark when Mike Conley needs a breather.

It is Conley that will substantially benefit Dillingham this season. The battle-tested veteran can help to smooth out the learning curve for the Kentucky youngster. The more that Dillingham can step up, the better Minnesota’s second unit will be. Julius Randle is tasked with replacing the production lost from Karl-Anthony Towns. Donte DiVincenzo is going to be asked to score plenty. There is still room for Dillingham to contribute in a significant way.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Get Positive Update on Julius Randle Injury

Although the Timberwolves need Dillingham to contribute offensively, such positive court vision is great to see from him when the shot isn’t falling.

More must-reads:

• 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
• What are Sportsbooks Thinking with These Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Lines…?
• Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans

The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2024-25 preseason on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, in one of the more exciting Wolves preseason games I’ve watched in a long time. All 10 of Minnesota’s expected rotation players got run, except Anthony Edwards and centerpiece of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, Julius Randle.

Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all played 10 minutes each. Joe Ingles played 11 and even Mike Conley got in 8 first half minutes, before the Wolves’ 37-year-old leader called it a night. Most of the minutes went to Josh Minott (29), Luka Garza (22), rookie – Terrence Shannon Jr (27) and rookie – Rob Dillingham (25).

Minnesota Timberwolves dominate Los Angeles Lakers in preseason opener

From start to finish, this was mostly a Minnesota Timberwolves beatdown of the LA Lakers, who didn’t have LeBron James or Anthony Davis playing. The Wolves top unit jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, and passed that off to a 2nd unit that almost buried LA before this contest even got to halftime.

PERFECT 🤌 pic.twitter.com/lycwHo4WK1

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

With 10:09 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Minnesota took a 46-25 lead on a Josh Minott 3-pointer, making it feel like the night might get way out of hand. It didn’t. The Lakers made a comeback late in the 2nd quarter, and into the 3rd, even cutting the Wolves lead to two points (82-80), with 3:12 remaining in the period.

The Minnesota Timberwolves then got their flow back, thanks to rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrance Shannon Jr, along with 3rd year former 2nd round pick, Josh Minott, who showed off a lot of skill and rare size to go with it (see below). When the dust settled in Palm Springs, the Timberwolves walked away exhibition victors, 124-107.

But who cares about preseason scores or results. Let’s talk about what we really learned about the Wolves in their preseason opener.

Lesson 1. Donte DiVincenzo might be the biggest key in KAT trade

I am not making this a key, just to be hyperbolic. Night in, and night out, casuals who watch the Minnesota Timberwolves play — and those who just check box scores or watch highlight clips — are going to see Julius Randle.

The guy’s a walking double/double who can get his own shot and act as a secondary takeover option on a nightly basis. If there is too much defensive focus on Anthony Edwards or if he isn’t available, for whatever reason, Julius Randle will be Minnesota’s go-to guy for offense.

Related: Timberwolves Get More (Familiar) Talent Back in KAT Trade

But it took one half of exhibition basketball for Donte DiVincenzo to display exactly why President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly demanded he be part of the return package for KAT. DiVincenzo started, in place of Anthony Edwards.

The brand new 27-year-old Wolf went 4-of-4 from the field and 3-of-3 from deep, finishing with 11 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist, in his 10 first half minutes. He showed a level of playmaking ability that most Wolves fans will be surprised by, and even in the preseason, brought a tenacity and IQ on defense that you could see just watching on TV.

do your thing, Donte. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/EjGtcv97sR

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

OK WE SEE YOU DONTE 🫣 pic.twitter.com/wXZXqoVD62

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

The Minnesota Timberwolves desperately needed competent guard depth during the offseason. Drafting Rob Dillingham was a good start and sets the franchise up in the future.

To be a legitimate title contender, though, the Wolves needed a really good guard off the bench who can play lockdown defense, handle the ball and score in multiple ways. I’m not sure Tim Connelly could have found a better player to insert into that role than DiVincenzo.

Lesson 2: Josh Minott might be taking the next step for Minnesota Timberwolves

There were a few Minnesota Timberwolves players who stuck out on Friday night, in a way that others didn’t. Luka Garza was his normal productive self (7/13, 20 PTS, 9 REB, 1 STL, 1 AST), but he did not look like the dominant force we often see when he goes up against 3rd tier NBA talent.

Part of that was due to the talent on display all around him, including out on the perimeter, with Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr (more on them momentarily). But also, right next to him. 6’8″ 2022 2nd round pick Josh Minott, out of Memphis, was in his bag last night.

Related: Knicks Finally Made a Trade Offer for KAT that Timberwolves Could Not Refuse

He was hitting from deep, driving to the hole, elevating to the rim from multiple different angles and blocking shots from the inside and outside on defense. He finished 9-of-11 for 22 points, which led the team. His only two misses were three-pointers… but he made four others, finishing 4-of-6 from downtown. He also added 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

WHY NOT MINOTT pic.twitter.com/GuQh4Jfhjr

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

THROW IT DOWN, JOSH 😤 pic.twitter.com/nJ8sNMdSCL

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 5, 2024

Every time the Lakers charged back, Minott would drive through the lane with a monstrous dunk or drop a 3-pointer to halt all of LA’s momentum. We knew Minott’s development was going well, but he showed a level to his game on Friday night that most Minnesota Timberwolves fans didn’t know existed.

Lesson 3: Rob Dillingham is going to be a stud and should contribute immediately

I would imagine their playing time will fluctuate, depending on how they are playing at certain points throughout the grueling NBA season. But there is no doubt that 2024 No. 8 overall pick Rob Dillingham and No. 27 pick, Terrence Shannon Jr are good enough to help the Wolves now.

• Rob Dillingham vs Lakers: 25 Min | 9/20 FG | 3/6 3PT | 21 PTS | 4 AST | 1 REB | +10 +/-

No doubt, Rob Dillingham is streaky, and he will have some growing pains to work though. He’s noticeably shorter than everyone else on the floor and he isn’t an elite defender, by any means. But this dude’s playmaking ability is next level and something that I am not sure we have seen on the Minnesota Timberwolves since Stephon Marbury.

Related: Why Did the Minnesota Timberwolves Trade Karl-Anthony Towns?

Seriously, the Kentucky product is so quick-twitch, he’s usually gone before the defender can even react. That gives him an innate ability to get wherever he wants to go on the basketball floor, pretty much whenever he wants to get there.

8th overall pick Rob Dillingham came ready to play in his #NBAPreseason debut!

21 PTS
4 AST
3 3PM pic.twitter.com/4hQgKvSiAj

— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2024

More must-reads:

• 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
• What are Sportsbooks Thinking with These Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Lines…?
• Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans

The Minnesota Timberwolves took two players in the first round of the NBA Draft. The first was Rob Dillingham (Kentucky), who they drafted with the No. 8 pick overall, after trading a 2031 1st and 2030 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs. Then, with the No. 27 pick, president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, selected Terrence Shannon Jr (Illinois).

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr shows out in summer league debut

On Friday, the Wolves played their first summer league game of the year, and they have a relatively stacked roster, with the two listed above, along with Josh Minott, Leonard Miller, Jaylen Clark and more. But it was Shannon Jr who stole the show this afternoon, racking up 23 points on 9/14 shooting (1/4 3PT) to go with 2 blocks and 3 rebounds.

I mean, not only did Terrence Shannon Jr display his innate ability to play downhill and finish at the rim (with authority), but his shot looked pure and he’s able to get where he needs on the floor, both with and without the ball.

Terrence Shannon showcased his more-than-NBA-ready explosiveness in his Summer League debut, scoring 25 points on 9-14 shooting while adding a pair of steals and blocks. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected the 6'6", 23-year-old wing out of Illinois with the 27th overall pick. pic.twitter.com/WjarpFmWEg

— League Him (@League_Him) July 12, 2024

Two of Shannon Jr’s three misses from deep were on expiring shot clocks. But most exciting of all might be Shannon Jr’s defense. He plays tight on the ball and has great anticipation off of it.

Some doubted Minnesota taking the former Illini guard, due to his age (23) and injury concerns, but he’s exactly what the Wolves need off the bench. A microwave scorer who can come in from college and contribute immediately, for cheap. If his summer league debut was any indication, Tim Connelly may have hit on another gem at pick 27 in 2024.

Rob Dillingham struggles with his shot

It wasn’t as successful of a day for the Timberwolves top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Let’s start by noting that Rob Dillingham looked really good on Friday. He is a true playmaker and that oozes out of him when the ball is in his hands.

He finished with 5 rebounds and 5 assists (0 turnovers), far and away outpacing what Shannon Jr did in those categories. But today, the shot wasn’t falling for Dillingham. Thus, he finished just 2 of 12 on the game (0/5 3PT). Because of that shooting line, it’s impossible to call his showing vs the Pelicans a success. No doubt though, this kid can ball.

First Look At Minnesota Timberwolves' Top Picks Rob Dillingham & Terrence Shannon Jr! #NBA2KSummerLeague #NBASummerLeague #NBA2K25SummerLeague pic.twitter.com/JimcXsOp9m

— Basketball (@HighlightsPlays) July 12, 2024

Related: Rudy Gobert Can Save Timberwolves from 2nd Apron Tax Hell

Don’t worry about the game Rob Dillingham had today. His size does concern me slightly, just in the short term. He needs to get bigger. But he will hit open shots in the future. He has prior to today. His vision is elite and the fact that he had 5 rebounds at his size is eye opening, as well.

“I’m so proud of that dude. Number one, it’s not about him scoring. Everybody want to see how he can score. He’s gonna be a prolific scorer in the NBA one day. It’s about understanding our culture and fitting into that culture.

Timberwolves coach Chris Hines (via Dane Moore)

The Timberwolves next summer league game is on Sunday vs the Indiana Pacers at 4:30 PM CT on NBA TV.

More must-reads:

• 5 Bold Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions for 2024-25 Season
• What are Sportsbooks Thinking with These Timberwolves vs Lakers Betting Lines…?
• Bally Sports Naming Rights Sold to FanDuel – What it Means for Minnesota Sports Fans

The Minnesota Timberwolves were facing elimination on Tuesday night, against the Dallas Mavericks, and Anthony Edwards was in the spotlight. After a lackluster few games to open the series, it was going to take a significant performance from the Wolves’ best player to extend the West Finals.

And Ant showed up. He hit big shots and got help from Karl-Anthony Towns, among other teammates, when he needed them to come through. It was the exact type of game Minnesota needed to climb back into this thing. And he wore a wire the entire game.

Anthony Edwards has been nothing short of appointment television since the moment he entered the NBA. The first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Edwards was back to being his regular, aggressive self in game 4, when his team needed him most.

TNT mic’d up Anthony Edwards for game 4

Even during warmups, the 22-year-old superstar was dialed in. The way in which Edwards talked with bench player Luka Garza said everything. “They better get rid of us, Lu!”

For someone so young and inexperienced to be this loose and focused facing an elimination game during the Western Conference Finals… you just don’t see that everyday.

Immediately following the win, TNT played a highlight clip of Ant’s mic’d up moments and it’s pretty unbelievable how he displays that same level of cool throughout an intense, pressurized atmosphere like last night.

Ant was dialed in on the mic all night in Game 4 💪🎙️ pic.twitter.com/elkQuLi0N3

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2024

Ant checks in on the health of Mavs’ big man Maxi Kleiber (“your shoulder alright?”), flips in a finger roll that didn’t count and credits Kyrie for teaching it to him (“I learned that from you, dawg”). But it’s the leadership he shows throughout this 1:40 clip that reveals the competitive side of Anthony Edwards too.

Related: Mike Conley Tells Jon K. That He’s About to Cover NBA History

He’s demanding more effort from guys, “if they win this game, it’s 4-0, they not gonna feel sorry for us, they gonna laugh at us, bruh!”. Then, there’s the part where he is showing Rudy Gobert exactly how he wants him to set screens, “you setting it like this, Rudy. So they can go under, they can go over… set it like this, so he gots to go over the screen!”

When big moments happen, he was screaming into a Dallas arena filled with Mavericks fans. He was even barking at dudes. Anthony Edwards is simply not normal, and his ability to lead goes well beyond his years. Don’t take it for granted.

Anthony Edwards continues to lean on Karl-Anthony Towns

It isn’t lost on Anthony Edwards that this team was once under the reign of Karl-Anthony Towns. It has since changed ownership, but there is little benefit to make KAT feel as though he’s diminished. Continuing to be a leader, Edwards has sought to bring the best out of his big man.

Ant says he's beating up KAT on the bus for fouling out 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/A2IwJ5nMRQ

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2024

After previously suggesting that Towns needs to stop fouling, Edwards got in a bit of a laugh on Tuesday night with the Big Purr finishing on the bench. Although Towns was able to pour in buckets at an impressive rate down the stretch, Luka Doncic got him on a bad call finishing his night.

The more Towns can remain on the floor, and especially in a productive state, the better Minnesota’s chances are at extending the series. Ultimately Finch needs his top two stars to play off of one another. Edwards must fill it up while Towns pours it in from all over the court.

Related: TNT Crew Calls Cap on Karl-Anthony Towns’ Hyperbole Amid Absolutely Brutal Series

Regardless of the theatrics Luka Doncic pulls, and the perspective Kyrie Irving has, the Timberwolves clawing back relies entirely on Towns and Edwards holding their own. If it can happen for a game at home in the Target Center, then Dallas is immediately put on notice and things get interesting.

More must-reads:

• Report: MN Timberwolves Not a Serious Bidder for Superstar Guard
• Rudy Gobert on His Way to Historic DPOY Win?
• Gopher Football Lands Former FCS Freshman All-American

Facing a three game deficit entering Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves found their backs up against the wall. Rather than wilt they came out punching and took home a 105-100 victory. And the Dallas Mavericks may have made a grave mistake in giving Chris Finch’’s team confidence.

Ant and KAT lead the way on the road to force a Game 5 back in Minnesota! 🐺🐺

Edwards: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST
Towns: 25 PTS (9-13 FGM), 5 REB, 4 3PM

Game 5 tips Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/1Akarqib5l

— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2024

Having lost the first three games of this series by a combined 13 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves knew they were never out of this series. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving had controlled the matchups through three games.

But Dallas’ margins of victory were ever so slim. After a Game 4 in which Minnesota controlled the tempo and felt like the better team all night, the air inside this series suddenly feels different. Now, if they can get a win back at Target Center, the Mavs and their fans would find their palms sweating a little bit.

Entering game 4, Kyrie Irving was a perfect 14-0 in closeout games. Not anymore. And now, the Timberwolves are just three wins away from making the history that point guard Mike Conley said they would.

Minnesota Timberwolves leave Dallas with confidence

22-year-old Anthony Edwards, who was mic’d up again for all of game 4, was back to being his affable postgame self, praising (and clowning) teammates at every turn. You want a game 5 guarantee?

He gave you that too, telling reporters that he’s already promised Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who was sitting courtside, that he’d bring him some AE1’s when he returns to Texas for game 6.

Q: "Ant you told somebody in the hall you'd see them for game 6, where does that confidence come from"
Ant: "Micah Parsons was rockin' the AE1 and I told him he wear a size 14 I'd bring him back some nice shoes for game 6" pic.twitter.com/lkOxuHqbcU

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 29, 2024

If you haven’t noticed by now, Edwards’ shoes are having something of a moment, and Dallas Cowboys star defensive player Micah Parsons was rocking them during the game. Now, he’ll have a brand new pair for game 6.

Anthony Edwards loves Mike Conley… but not his fit

Anthony Edwards took the microphone postgame and made sure to talk (and make jokes) about the leader of his offense, and elder statesman of the group, Mike Conley, but it wasn’t lost on Ant or any of his other teammates just how important the veteran with ugly pants is to what the Wolves already have and still can accomplish.

It was clear, when Conley missed a game vs the Denver Nuggets, that Minnesota needs him. Luckily, his calf has held up (for the most part) since because remains a foundational part of the lineup.

Ant praises Mike Conley and calls him "Old as f*ck" pic.twitter.com/xD1hyFodB5

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 29, 2024

This postseason, the confidence shown by the Minnesota Timberwolves has resulted in more than a handful of big checks being written. But the one they want to write most, was when Conley suggested to reporters after game 3 that the Timberwolves were going to make history and be the first ever NBA team to come back and win a series where they trailed 3-0.

Give Karl-Anthony Towns his Flowers

Karl-Anthony Towns had forgotten to show up for the first three games of this series and was facing a significant ding on his time with the Timberwolves for it. The second half of Game 4 found him getting into the action, and his three-point prowess showed up in a big way.

Nailing 4-of-5 while hitting 9-of-13 from the field, Finch’s stretch four poured in 25 points. Shaquille O’Neal suggested that meant the crew had to go back to a cold Minnesota, but with temps in the 70’s on Thursday he’s probably been poisoned by a Draymond Green level of confusion.

Chuck: "He [KAT] saved the Timberwolves' season tonight. So just give him his flowers, he deserves it." 🤝 pic.twitter.com/f2SX6TgxTj

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2024

Towns had 20 points in the second half on Tuesday with 12 of them coming from deep. While he didn’t hit the eight projected by Edwards, he was a catalyst for Minnesota coming out on top. Charles Barkley talked about how Towns’ early shots all came in the paint, and sometimes that’s all it takes for your game to open up. Having not attempted a deep ball in the first half, Towns struggled to miss from there when it mattered most.

Related: Mike Conley Tells Jon K. That He’s About to Cover NBA History

Regardless of what sort of personal trash gets written about him, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to keep his head down, and Tuesday night he saved the Timberwolves season. How that performance can be parlayed from here remains to be seen, but a victory at Target Center would be a good place to start.

More must-reads:

• Report: MN Timberwolves Not a Serious Bidder for Superstar Guard
• Rudy Gobert on His Way to Historic DPOY Win?
• Gopher Football Lands Former FCS Freshman All-American

In case you haven’t heard, the Minnesota Timberwolves are down 3-0 to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Their veteran leader Mike Conley isn’t phased by that however, and while a comeback would be of earth-shattering proportions, he’s on the record saying not to count them out.

The number to know is 154-0. That’s the record for NBA teams with a 3-0 lead during an NBA playoff series. Jason Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks are currently in that spot, and while the Minnesota Timberwolves are the higher seed, they appear set on representing the Western Conference in the NBA Final. Mike Conley says not so fast.

Mike Conley is Here for the Drama

So far the storylines of the Western Conference Finals have revolved around Karl-Anthony Towns failing to show up, and Anthony Edwards looking like a shell of himself. Despite those realities, Chris Finch’s team has lost all three games by a combined 13 points. That might be where Mike Conley is drawing inspiration from.

When Conley walked past The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski and a gaggle of other reporters, following the Wolves’ Game 3 loss, he told them to get ready, because they were about to cover history, obviously suggesting Minnesota has a four-game win streak brewing.

.@JonKrawczynski⁩ telling ⁦@DanBarreiroKFAN⁩ what Mike Conley said to him after gm3 is the only thing you need to hear today. “Jon, you’re gonna have a hell of a story to write. We’re gonna make history.” pic.twitter.com/iOrX6kJIoj

— Amy Hockert (@AmyHockert) May 28, 2024

“[Sunday] night, at the end of the night, I’m standing in the hallway after the locker room was closing and Mike Conley walks by and he kind of shakes his head. He just looks at me and he says, ‘Hey Jon, you’re going to have a helluva story to write. We’re going to make history, so just hang with us.’ And it wasn’t a whisper. There were a bunch of writers around us, there were a bunch of people around. I said, I’m ready when you are Mike.”

Jon Krawczynski telling Dan Barreiro about Conley’s historic prediction (via KFAN Radio)

Related: Timberwolves Players and Coaches Saying the Right Things Heading into Game 4

History Has to Start Somewhere, Conley Says Why Not Us?

It certainly has to start somewhere. History is only available to us so we can find a way to challenge it. If the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to make Mike Conley’s prediction come true, then it will take something we have never seen before coming to fruition. Of course it was just last year when the Boston Celtics pushed the Eastern Conference Finals to a Game 7 after going down 3-0, but they couldn’t complete the comeback.

Sports offer opportunities for these sorts of storylines to play out all of the time. No 16-seed had ever won a game in the NCAA Tournament until the Retrievers of UMBC pulled off an upset in 2018, and then it happened again last season when Fairleigh Dickinson accomplished the same feat.

At some point an NBA team will overcome a 3-0 deficit, and for Mike Conley’s team, winning four games in a row is something they have already accomplished over five different stretches this season alone.

SENSATIONAL. pic.twitter.com/yVUzQe81BS

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 27, 2024

Related: Timberwolves Players and Coaches Saying the Right Things Heading into Game 4

Anthony Edwards seems to think that Karl-Anthony Towns is going to come out hot from deep, and keeping the energy from his Michael Jordan-esque slam would help himself offensively. Conley is going to need teammates to help cash this check, and the bank would be paying out in epic proportions.

More must-reads:

• Report: MN Timberwolves Not a Serious Bidder for Superstar Guard
• Rudy Gobert on His Way to Historic DPOY Win?
• Gopher Football Lands Former FCS Freshman All-American

When Flip Saunders used a number one overall pick on Karl-Anthony Towns he envisioned a big man that would change the game and impact the Minnesota Timberwolves well beyond his playing years. That hasn’t turned out to be reality, and in the biggest games of his career, he has wilted.

Make no mistake, Karl-Anthony Towns returning from a meniscus surgery this season to play meaningful minutes down the stretch and in the playoffs has been incredible. He put up arguably two of the best games in his career during Game 6 and 7 against the Denver Nuggets in round two.

Then he checked out.

Karl-Anthony Towns absent when Minnesota Timberwolves needed him most

Maybe Karl-Anthony Towns wants to win an NBA Championship, and maybe he’d like to do it with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but nothing about his performance during this Western Conference finals suggests that’s true. The statistics to describe his ineptitude are jarring and substantial. Take your pick as to which hurts the most:

• Through three games Towns has shot 15/54 (28%) and 3/22 (14%) from deep.
• He has averaged just 15 points per game.
• The greatest impact he has made may have been an inadvertent knee to the head (first to the midsection) of Dereck Lively II.
• In the 4th quarter alone, Towns has shot 2-12 from the field, 1-8 from deep, and has been worth -16 when on the court.
• At 13.6% from deep, Towns owns the lowest three-point percentage in Western Conference Finals history.

Karl Anthony Towns pic.twitter.com/WLgFpannul

— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 27, 2024

Towns has been horrendous, abysmal, and non-existent. Use whichever describing terms you’d like. Set to make $49 million next year, he has looked like a non-factor.

If Tim Connelly is thinking ahead to roster construction after this season, he certainly has to be questioning whether Towns can be a key piece to a championship roster.

Related: Timberwolves Can’t Overcome Bad KAT, Whining Luka Doncic or Horrible Officiating in Game 3

Given how terribly Towns played Sunday, his night couldn’t get any worse, right? Wrong. Because after the game, during an interview scrum with reporters, KAT put his foot in his mouth, something he’s done time and time again throughout his career.

What was it this time? He told the reporters gathered around him that he takes 1,500 shots per day. When TNT cut back to the “Inside the NBA” crew shortly after, they were laughing at him and calling cap on that number. Embarrassing.

KAT talks about taking 1500 shots a day, the Inside crew says that's 🧢 pic.twitter.com/XeeIhBivEi

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 27, 2024

KAT: “I gotta laugh… I’m putting up up to 1,500 shots per day. I shot so well all playoffs. Confidence is extremely high. And to be having these unfortunate bounces and shots just not going in, it’s tough. It’s tough for sure. Confidence wise, I just have to keep shooting.”

— TNT broadcast cuts back to Inside the NBA —

Draymond: “Hey Ernie, you know what ‘cap’ is? KAT cappin. Ain’t nobody shooting 1500 shots a day, right now.

Kenny: “I never [counted] shots, I [counted] makes. To make 300 in a day takes about 45 minutes. So if you’re taking 1,500, it’s gonna take you about 2.5 hours. And you already practicing… it’s cap.”

Barkley: “The thing that’s funny about him saying that, first of all, he’s lying. Let’s just say hypothetically he was telling the truth. If he’s shooting 1,500 threes, that’s the problem. It’s the types of shots he is getting. That’s the problem. It has nothing to do with him not working on his game. If he’s just out there shooting threes, he’s still 4 for 32.”

Anthony Edwards Followed Karl-Anthony Towns’ Lead

Coming into Game 3, facing a 2-0 deficit, the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar guard said to expect a different type of player. Looking to get back to his slashing and driving ways, he showed some of that and posting a team-high 26 points on 11-of-24 shooting.

Edwards played 43 minutes and appeared he was going to will his team to victory in the 2nd half. A Michael Jordan-esque dunk seemed to get the momentum rolling back in their favor.

SENSATIONAL. pic.twitter.com/yVUzQe81BS

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 27, 2024

Unfortunately the 3rd quarter is where his impact sputtered out for Minnesota on Sunday night, and down the stretch he was unable to make his presence felt. Much like Towns, Edwards has been virtually non-existent by his standards over the first two games.

Related: Sounds Like the Timberwolves Plan to Offer Mike Conley a Lucrative Coaching Job

For it to only come in brief stretches during Game 3 was unfortunate to see, and while getting him off Kyrie Irving should have helped conditioning, it didn’t translate to the stat sheet.

Kyrie and Luka in the fourth:

• 21 points (DAL had 29 team pts)
• 8/10 FG

Ant and KAT in the fourth:

• 9 points
• 2/7 FG

Game was tied after the third. You just aren't going to win with those contrasting splits amongst the stars on both sides.

— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) May 27, 2024

Chris Finch watched first hand as his team found out what it’s like to go up against a pair of closers, and they responded with their top two options sputtering out at the worst time possible. We thought the Minnesota Timberwolves were ready for this moment. But their stars weren’t.

More must-reads:

• Report: MN Timberwolves Not a Serious Bidder for Superstar Guard
• Rudy Gobert on His Way to Historic DPOY Win?
• Gopher Football Lands Former FCS Freshman All-American