If Finch is the best coach in franchise history the late Flip Saunders is the most beloved. He made his mark on the organization during it’s previous heyday, and he hailed from Minnesota as well.

Flip’s influence and personality was so ingrained in the franchise that it didn’t feel totally outlandish when his son, Ryan Saunders, took over as head coach in 2018 following years of assistant work. He took his lumps, but remains among the best assistants in the league, and he continues to find opportunities.

Ryan Saunders headed to Memphis Grizzlies

The Minnesota Timberwolves employed Ryan Saunders for parts of three seasons as their head coach. After he was fired during the 2020-21 season, Saunders landed an assistant gig with the Denver Nuggets. He’s changing teams again, and this time heads to Memphis.

Breaking: The Grizzlies are hiring Ryan Saunders as the lead assistant coach under Tuomas Iisalo, per sources.

Saunders comes with previous head coaching experience. He won a championship with the Nuggets as an assistant in 2023.

— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) July 14, 2025

The Grizzlies will be the fourth franchise Saunders has coached with. He spent five years in Washington before his eight in Minnesota. The 2025-26 season will be Saunders’ 17th season employed at the NBA level.

Saunders coached 137 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves and finished with a 43-94 record. It was a tough time of transition for the franchise, and Saunders probably needed a better situation. His first season with the Denver Nuggets, back in the assistant ranks, culminated with a 53-29 record including an NBA Championship.

After winning a ring, Saunders remained on the Nuggets coaching staff for each of the past two seasons under head coach Mike Malone. Somewhat shockingly though, Denver fired Malone with a 47-32 record last season just before the playoffs. This left Saunders’ status up in the air.

Related: Timberwolves Pup Proving He’s Too Good for NBA Summer League

He now joins a Memphis Grizzlies team that, like Denver, surprisingly fired Taylor Jenkins with a 44-29 record just before the playoffs. They turned the team over to Tuomas Lisalo, and Saunders is joining him as the top assistant.

The Grizzlies will be looking for a different identity in the year ahead. They have traded Desmond Bane this offseason in a June blockbuster, and presumably Ja Morant could be moved as well. Saunders will look to bring a steadying presence under Lisalo. His work as a head coach, and experience winning it all, should help to ease the transition.

Matthew Hurt Signing 10-day contract with Memphis Grizzlies

And on Monday, it was announced the Memphis Grizzlies are signing him to 10-day contract via the ‘hardship’ clause. Either way, Hurt will finally get his chance in the National Basketball Association.

The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign forward Matt Hurt to a 10-day contract via hardship out of their G League Hustle affiliate, sources tell me and @KellyIko. Hurt is averaging 22.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in G League.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2024

As a freshman at Duke, Hurt averaged 9.7 points and 3.8 rebounds. In his final season (sophomore), he averaged 18.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, earning him ACC Most Improved Player and First-Team All-ACC. He then opted to enter the 2021 NBA Draft… but never heard his name called.

Related: Matthew Hurt: The Greatest Minnesota High School Basketball Player Ever.

Hurt signed a 2-way contract with the Houston Rockets on August 13, 2021, but never played a minute in Houston or for G-League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Instead, he was waived by the Rockets on September 24, 2021, prior to the start of training camp.

On October 14, he was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies, only to be waived two days later, then signed to their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. He didn’t register any stats in 2021, but that changed one year later, in 2022-23, when Hurt played in 28 regular season games, and averaged 15 points and 4 rebounds.

Hurt re-signed with the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason, only to be waived two weeks later. When no other teams came calling, he signed back on with the Hustle on October 30, and he’s dominated ever since.

Matthew Hurt was untouchable at John Marshall

Hurt played varsity as a freshman at Rochester John Marshall high school and, by his junior year in 2017–18, he was averaging 33.9 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 4.3 blocks per game, leading his team to a remarkable 26–3 record and a spot in the section title game.

As a senior, he somehow got better, averaging 36.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, which earned him the prestigious title of Minnesota Mr. Basketball and a spot in the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game.

Getting to see high school Matthew Hurt play in person was pretty incredible, He’s by far the best high school player I’ve seen live. He used to sellout high school gyms all over the state.

Here's a look at Matthew Hurt's 46 point, 17 rebound performance today for Rochester John Marshall. RJM beat Lakeville South 75-72 at the Breakdown Boys Tip-Off Classic in Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/moFeKglJnZ

— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) December 9, 2017

Related: Shocker: Matthew Hurt Chooses Duke

Hurt chose Duke over other blue blood offers from North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas. He had a five-star consensus rating and easily considered a top-25 high school prospect in the 2019 class.

Matthew Hurt has undoubtedly earned an opportunity after showcasing his skills in high school and then transitioning to the G League. With his impressive performance, another player with ties to Minnesota joins the league.

This, despite Minnesota leading for most of game 6, just like they had for 70% of the series, going in. But the final matchup of the series followed the same script. Like a nightmare they couldn’t wake up from. They led for most of three quarters, then opened the choke on the 4th quarter floodgates of doom. In celebration, the two worst Grizzlies starters of the series danced on the Timberwolves logo at half-court.

What hurts for Timberwolves fans is that they could have won this series 4-1 ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZeI1iJs3T4

— MegaZane5 (@MegaZane5) April 30, 2022

Timberwolves point differential this playoffs:

+29 in 1-3Q
-62 in 4Q pic.twitter.com/5bI71KcNdb

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 30, 2022

Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks dancing on the Wolves logo pic.twitter.com/7jOD12vuaW

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 30, 2022

Participation Trophies for Everyone

But you wouldn’t know the Minnesota Timberwolves had just been beaten by a lesser team and that their season had ended as a result. Players, media and many fans were in full-blown celebration mode. The postgame festivities were full of smiles, laughs, backslaps and participation trophies.

Karl-Anthony Towns shrunk under the postseason pressure. He got so short, in fact, that Dillon Brooks was too overwhelming for KAT to post up, by series end. But Towns could be found bowing and curtseying for cheering fans after the game 6 loss. He must’ve been accepting the MVP (Most Valuable Participator).

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels talked about how talented they are and how bright the team’s future is. Pointed to the Grizzlies losing to the Jazz last year, in the same type of fashion, as if blowing big leads throughout a playoff series is some sort of initiation process.

Apparently, players were congratulating each other in the locker room and had already deemed the season a full-blown success. Even Patrick Beverley got in on the backslaps. Because at the Wolves postgame party on Friday night, ice cream wasn’t exclusive to winners. Participating was good enough.

An emotional Karl-Anthony Towns waves goodbye and thanks Timberwolves fans after the final game of the season ????????????pic.twitter.com/xqb3eRo8Rq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 30, 2022

“A lot of people said this season was a success, I agree.” – @patbev21 pic.twitter.com/Vhs9KakL4G

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 30, 2022

Losing Should Suck

I get it. Playoff appearances have been few and far between for the Minnesota Timberwolves, over the last two decades. Any taste of success is bound to get many fans in the feels. But what happened to the hunger these players claimed to have.

Towns didn’t sound like someone who was desperate to change the “soft” narratives that have followed him throughout his career. Ant didn’t seem upset that he couldn’t follow through on his game 6 promises. Everyone who hit the podium played for a team just happy to be in the tournament. And possibly, happy that it was over. As if they had seen war and were relieved to come out alive on the other end.

Chris Finch hopes this will make the Wolves hungrier next season. They’ll all say it has. But I don’t see it.

“I hope we are a bit angry and a bit disappointed. I hope that fuels us. That alone should be a positive thing. That’s what being a competitor is all about.”

Chris Finch

Self Defeating

Sure, excuses were built into this playoff run. The Wolves are young and had never “been there before”. The Grizzlies had. It was the Wolves who went in as the 7-seed. Memphis was the 2nd best team in the West. There’s a learning curve to winning. But if the team buys into all of those excuses then the contest is already over.

Losing sucks, even if it’s after a successful season. Grief should hit before retrospective positivity. Last night and into Saturday, the Wolves skipped the grieving step of the game 6 loss that ended their season.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

But he wasn’t the only guy who had a big night. Jordan McLaughlin, who didn’t play at all in game three, was lights out through the final three quarters. When the dust settled, he finished 5/6 from the field and 4/4 from deep, contributing an extremely clutch 16 points, all of which the Minnesota Timberwolves needed.

Anthony Edwards on McLaughlin

After the victory, Anthony Edwards and Jordan McLaughlin took the press conference podium together. Ant had another big performance of his own, putting up 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on 50% shooting from both inside and outside the 3PT line. But he didn’t want to talk about his game. Edwards was only interested in discussing the career night by his REALLY short teammate, Jordan McLaughlin, who stands 5’11”, 185 pounds.

You’ll rarely hear a negative word fall out of Anthony Edwards’ mouth and Sunday’s early morning appearance was no different. Of course, the references to JMac’s height came with Ant’s patented playful love. He spoke with sarcastic amazement at how McLaughlin somehow finds a way to be so effective when he’s so small.

In between height references, Edwards called Jordan McLaughlin the greatest teammate he’s ever played with, right next to Josh Okogie. He also nodded along as JMac told reporters how he stays ready in between appearances, which can come few and far-between, at times. Ant even claims to have grinded McLaughlin’s college tape from back when he was at USC (2014-18). Here are a few of the highlights. The full 7-minute must-see press conference video is below them.

Anthony Edwards on Jordan McLaughlin (while sitting next to Jordan McLaughlin):

"He just so short man, you know? It’s just impressive. Look how small he is. He don’t let it bother him."

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 24, 2022

Anthony Edwards said you could watch back Jordan McLaughlin's college film and see this is the stuff he could do

I asked if he's grinded USC film.

Ant: "Yeah. Yep, yep, yep, I have."

What impressed him the most from that?

Ant: "He's just so short."

— jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) April 24, 2022

Anthony Edwards: "Jordan McLaughlin and Josh Okogie are the best teammates I've ever played with in my life… I can't compare anybody to those two."

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 24, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

But then, the two teams played things out on a basketball court in Memphis on Saturday afternoon and most of the sane people watching realized that those super smart NBA minds had no idea what they were talking about. The Wolves won handily, 130-117. In fact, it was difficult to leave game one without seriously questioning the lack of top-end talent surrounding Ja Morant. Now, the Timberwolves have the Grizzlies are on the ropes entering game two, which is scheduled to tip Tuesday night at 7:30 CT.

Memphis Needs More Than Ja Morant

Sure, Morant is an amazing player, one of the most exciting in the league. But what comes after him? He has confidence and he can talk all the shit. But this dude better be the next Michael Jordan if he’s going to lead this Grizzlies team over the Wolves by himself.

Ja Morant posted the iconic clip from The Last Dance after the Grizzlies dropped game 1 to the T-Wolves.

THIS LEAGUE!!! pic.twitter.com/zJyRIIL0Gc

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 18, 2022

took losses cuz i wanted to see other mfs win

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 18, 2022

Jaren Jackson Jr, Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane are very good role players, but that’s all they are. Even in a season that saw Morant sit out 25 games due to injury, those three guys averaged only 16.3, 18.4 and 18.2 PPG, respectively. Both KAT (24.6) and Ant (21.3) averaged over 21 points per game this season. DLo often becomes an afterthought in the scoring column and he went for 18.1 per game.

The 2021-22 Memphis Grizzlies won 56 regular season games this year because they brought effort every night, played stellar defense and did the little things right. They led the NBA in many hustle categories including steals, blocks and rebound rate.

They’re team depth is incredible too. The Grizzlies were able to run ten players deep all season, which helped them immensely when Morant was sidelined. But what wins games in the regular season, doesn’t always translate to victories in the postseason.

Postseason Hits Different

Now that Memphis is healthy, their depth matters less. Nobody’s rocking a 10-man rotation in the playoffs because coaches want their best players on the floor as much as possible. Matchups become much more about talent at the top of the roster. And that’s where the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to have an advantage. An advantage that could prove to be the difference in this opening-round series.

Anthony Edwards has now dominated two HUGE games in a row. He’s been able to do that, in part, because LA and Memphis both keyed on stopping Karl-Anthony Towns. But now that Ant has proven himself a superstar on the biggest of stages, will the Grizzlies turn their focus to slowing his dominance from the wing? If so, that should allow more room for Karl to work.

Youngest player with 35+ in a playoff game:

1. Derrick Rose
2. Tyler Herro
3. Anthony Edwards

Ant did this in his first career playoff game. pic.twitter.com/VpcB01tgEo

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 16, 2022

Playoff basketball is about exploiting the weakest link on the floor. Minnesota has found Memphis weakest link and that’s Steven Adams. His inability to guard ball screens is a death nail. They’re hunting Adams. Anthony Edwards is the prodigal son of Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/WiJECGGIgz

— Rashad Phillips (@RP3natural) April 18, 2022

And therein lies the conundrum Memphis is facing. Two games in a row, the Minnesota Timberwolves have proven that slowing KAT may not lead to a victory for their opponent. The Wolves have Ant to lead the charge and even D’Angelo Russell showed vs the Clippers that he can takeover a contest when called upon. Hell, even Malik Beasley put up 23 in game one vs the Grizzlies.

Defined Roles Matter

The Timberwolves’ role players either (a) play really good defense and/or (b) shoot the lights out from three. KAT, Ant and DLo are the main attractions. Everyone else’ purpose is based off of those two principles. So roles are clearly defined. Does Memphis have that going for them?

If the Wolves slow Ja Morant, who’s job is it to produce offensively? Dillon Brooks was good enough to be that guy in college but has yet to prove himself as anything more than a highly functional team irritant in the NBA. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr are behind him.

And if Memphis doesn’t have that second offensive star, can role players shoot well enough to make up for that lack of scoring? Well, regular season stats say “maybe”. The Grizz were 2nd in field goals per game, but 23rd in 3-pointers. The Wolves, on the other hand, were 1st in both categories.

It’s dangerous to get too far ahead of yourself after just one game of a seven-game series. But the game plan to beating Memphis is clear. Slow Ja Morant. The same can’t be said about the Minnesota Timberwolves and any one player.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Timberwolves are the most frustrating franchise in Minnesota and it’s not really close. This especially holds true because of the heartstrings they’ve pulled on in the rare occasions they have been successful. In the mid-2000’s, this was a Minnesota Timberwolves town and Target Center was the hub of the winter night-life.

But since Kevin Garnett left, they’ve been nothing but an embarrassment to our state and to the NBA. We’re hopeful that the latest regime change can turn that around, but after night’s like Tuesday, hope still feels a long ways away.

Qtr 1-3: Wolves lead 90-80

Qtr 4: Grizzlies lead 34-13

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 14, 2021

Disaster 4th quarter

Minnesota had a 90-80 lead going into the 4th quarter of last night’s game vs the Memphis Grizzlies, after controlling play for the first 3/4 of the game. But before 3 minutes had ticked off the clock in that final period, a 10-point lead had evaporated into a 2-point deficit.

The Wolves forgot how to play defense and couldn’t figure out how to get into their offense when Memphis denied their point guards in the backcourt. It didn’t help that Karl-Anthony Towns sat on the bench until his team was down two points.

The most unfortunate part about that, is he seemed to be the only one ready to play the final quarter when it started.

apparently KAT was the only one ready to start the 4th last night… but he was on the bench. https://t.co/94Qud7cXb7 pic.twitter.com/XyJQP8QaWE

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 14, 2021

Talk Talk Talk Talk Talk

This team is never void of saying the “right things” before, during and after every loss… but when do words turn into action? When does “we need to play defense” turn into, “whoa, look at that Timberwolves defense”?

Ryan Saunders talked about more physicality down low but he continues to give Juancho Hernangomez all of the minutes at 4 and he literally hates physicality.

Where is Ed Davis? Didn’t we bring him in to provide that type of defense and mentality at power forward? Well, Ed’s been a coach’s decision ‘DNP’ for two of the last three games. He played 18 minutes vs the Spurs and the Wolves were +9 with him on the court. They won by 8 points that night.

So keep talking, Ryan. But, I’d maybe try “doing”. Reward guys for playing defense instead of rewarding Juancho for sucking at everything.

Ryan Saunders: “We got to be more physical. That’s a physical group over there. We got to be more physical plain and simple. Take pride when we’re guarding the ball. Take pride in protecting the rim.” https://t.co/mslOfn348x

— jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) January 14, 2021

Gersson Rosas deserves his share of blame too

This team knew they were entering the season with a huge void at power forward and now that spot is clearly being exposed night in and night out. Ryan Saunders and the players deserve plenty of blame for how things went last night and how they’ve gone for much of this season. But if you don’t have a 4-man capable of playing NBA basketball… wins can be hard to come by sometimes.

Everyone on Timberwolves Twitter and around beat-writer world is infatuated with PJ Tucker, who can play the 4. If he’s looking to win, I don’t know why he would want to come here so they’d better get a trade package ready that the Rockets can’t turn down.

But let’s be real, 35-year-old PJ Tucker isn’t going to save this team from itself. He, or another power forward who can play defense, would definitely help but an in-his-prime Kevin Garnett isn’t walking through the locker room door.

If the Timberwolves start playing and coaching like they’ve been talking for years, the wins will start coming. But eventually you have to walk the walk or the words mean nothing.

4th quarter vs Memphis Grizzlies

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Well it’s about time for some extreme preseason overreactions (for those of us who can actually watch). The Minnesota Timberwolves have played two preseason games (both vs the Memphis Grizzlies). So far, they look like an extremely young team, with a recently overhauled roster that’s being forced to play together, after just three practices and a half-year off.

Oh wait… that’s exactly what’s happening.

It’s important to keep these, and other details, in mind. Karl-Anthony Towns, has played just one regular season game with D’Angelo Russell. The rest of this roster hasn’t really played together at all either.

KAT had an extremely difficult summer, too. While we aren’t known for our empathy at Minnesota Sports Fan, losing your mom and multiple other family members in a matter of months calls for some humanity.

But games will matter next week…

But the world moves on with or without you and, starting next week, these games will matter. That’s not something Wolves are currently ready for. Through two preseason games, they have more turnovers (48) than assists (37), the rebounding has been atrocious and the defense has been even worse.

The offense is good though, right? Wrong. The Timberwolves are shooting below 40% from the field, KAT can’t hit from deep (16.7%), there’s ZERO chemistry and even less energy. I could keep going but I think you get the point.

Let’s start with the chemistry. There is none. There’s little to no ball movement and when passes do occur, they’re off target (hence the turnovers).

Small examples of the Wolves getting to know each other. Twice in this quarter Towns has tried to hit a cutting Rubio, each time Towns’ passes have been slightly off the mark, one time because Rubio stopped unexpectedly.

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) December 15, 2020

After a fun and exciting offseason, we’re back to living in reality. The Timberwolves are going to have to go through some major growing pains before they’re (hopefully) good. How much better can they get before they play their first game on December 23?

Again, most of these Wolves haven’t played together… ever… and they don’t get the advantage 22 other bubble teams got just a couple of months ago. But opponents aren’t going to care about their circumstances.

Alright, enough of this negativity. Let’s look at some positives.

Jarrett Culver, comeback player of the year?

Talk about preseason overreactions! In these two games, no one has looked more improved than Jarrett Culver. He has looked more confident than ever and his jump shot is showing clear improvement. On the defensive side, Culver looks like a legit on-ball defender, which the Wolves desperately need.

Everyone on the team has said defense was their No. 1 focus of the offseason. Jarrett Culver is the only one where you can actually see that work paying off on the court.

Culver clearly studied Ja Morant's film, and you can see his intention actually making a difference.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 15, 2020

Ok Jarrett 👀 https://t.co/jRSHTtSCkV pic.twitter.com/VEdY9tljrM

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 15, 2020

D’Angelo Russell is still super good (at offense) and a ton of fun.

Sure, Russell struggles mightily on defense, but you can’t deny it’s fun to have someone with his offensive talent. When is the last time we had a guard who could chuck up outside shots (good or bad) from anywhere, anytime and have them consistently drop through the nylon? Marbury? Cassell?

It feels rewarding after watching a washed up Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham start games. Russell’s offensive talent is as good as advertised.

.@Dloading led the #Timberwolves with 19 points in their second preseason game against Memphis.

Full highlights ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eC4PdrWYOQ

— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) December 15, 2020

Will Karl Anthony-Towns look better when games matter and can the Minnesota Timberwolves come together before the playoffs are out of reach? With the expanded format this season, a .500 record will be good enough to play extra games.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

The longest offseason in Minnesota Timberwolves history is finally over. After 276 days without the Wolves, they took the Target Center court on Saturday night vs the Memphis Grizzlies, in the first of three preseason games. Not only are they back, but there is more optimism and hope surrounding this team than we have seen in years.

With the regular season bearing down on us (December 23rd), there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Here are three, along with any answers we got last night.

1. How will the D-Lo/Rubio combination look while sharing the floor?

Since being away from the Minnesota Timberwolves, all Ricky Rubio has done is make those around him better, especially young stars. Over his last three seasons, Ricky has had a positive (+/-) when sharing the floor with 79% of his teammates (23 of 29) according to Basketball Reference. Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell, two players similar in talent to D-Lo, were at their best when Rubio was on the floor.

Rubio has shared the floor with other really good primary ball handlers during his career. Unlike his first stint here though, Rubio is now capable of hitting the three ball (36.1% in 2019-20) when defenders leave him to guard Russell.

Here’s proof:

It’s #Timberwolves game day! I’m excited to see Russell and Rubio share the floor.

With Rubio being much better behind the arc, I expect him to be a big help for Russell. Here he is being left open as Booker has defenders drawn to him. pic.twitter.com/CTtaiU3Q0q

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 12, 2020

In preseason game 1 last night, their minutes together were limited but Rubio did hit Russell for an open three pointer. Hopefully they get much more time together in the next two preseason games. (vs Grizzlies: 12/14, @Mavs: 12/17)

2. Can Jarrett Culver develop into a solid role player?

The number six overall pick in last year’s draft, Jarrett Culver, looked like a bust after one season. But, he wasn’t traded and it’s never wise to completely write off a player after his rookie year.

Culver showed a bit of improvement after the All Star break last season, averaging 9.8 points, 1.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds with a .494 FG% and .424 3P%.

One minute of Jarrett Culver post-deadline last season #Timberwolves https://t.co/1pLliSTGof pic.twitter.com/ODmu0Mg8TM

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 12, 2020

In these three preseason games, Culver will be fighting for minutes. As of right now, it is hard to project a role for him unless he shows substantial improvement on both ends of the floor.

Culver looked both good and bad in his first game. He got substantial minutes and played the wing and even some point guard. The Wolves are definitely trying to get him reps in these preseason games.

3. How will the power forward position be handled?

Before last night, Juancho Hernangomez seemed to default as the starting power forward, when the regular season begins. Who else would play there? Are the Wolves willing to consistently stick with the small ball approach, leaving Layman/Okogie to battle some of the bigger 4’s across the league? Can you imagine Josh Okogie matching up on Rudy Gobert regularly?

Rosas and Saunders will need to be creative with their lineup combinations. Expect all of Hernangomez, Layman, Okogie and Hollis-Jefferson to get the bulk of those minutes. Culver, Vanderbilt and Davis could see some run there as well. It’ll be a group effort

Last night, we actually saw a lot of hope at the power forward position, thanks mostly to Jake Layman. He surprisingly got the start and was probably the Minnesota Timberwolves’ best player, scoring 10 points and posting a +11 in 20 minutes.

Jake Layman is playing an excellent game tonight. Knocks down a 3 and immediately gets a block. #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/Pah23IlJ8H

— Cooper (@CoopCarlson) December 13, 2020

Defensively he showed up too, grabbing two steals and a block. The chemistry between Layman and Towns remains really good and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him steal the starting power-forward position going forward, if he can hold it down defensively. 

BONUS: Can Charlie Brown carry the Wolves to the finals?

NEWS: Timberwolves Sign Charlie Brown Jr.

Full Release: https://t.co/SSNWqXuQ0c

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) December 11, 2020

The start of this particular spring work week signifies the final three days of the NBA’s regular season. With the Timberwolves looking to snap the NBA’s longest current playoff drought, the final two games of their 2017-18 campaign might prove to be more important than Patrick Reed’s final two putts at Augusta.

At about the same time the Masters champion was taking pictures in the Green Jacket, Ricky Rubio and the Jazz were toying around with the Los Angeles Lakers. Utah’s 15 point victory over L.A. means that they have officially clinched a postseason birth. While the Spanish PG’s new squad joins Houston, Golden State, and Portland as playoff bound teams, five other franchises will fight it out for the remaining four spots.

Western Conference Standings:

The way things currently stand, it would take a Matt Damon in Goodwill Hunting type person, to decipher all of the West’s seeding scenarios. We’ll have plenty of time on Tuesday and Wednesday for that brain-teaser. For now, let’s focus on what it will take for the Timberwolves to secure the first postseason spot since 2004:

#Twolves can clinch a playoff spot tomorrow if:

Minnesota defeats Memphis

AND

San Antonio defeats Sacramento (7 @ SA 7:30 pm CT)

AND

Denver loses to Portland (@ DEN 8 pm CT)

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) April 8, 2018

That’s right, folks. On Monday night, our brutally long wait can finally be laid to rest. Despite coming off like a long-shot parlay, there is a very good chance the three outcomes (laid out in above Tweet) occur exactly as needed.

To start things off with the Wolves, do we all remember the last time they faced Memphis? Two weeks ago, the teams’ loss to a Wayne Seldon-lead Grizzlies’ squad wasn’t pretty was a shit-show.

Thud: Wolves lose 101-93 to a Grizzlies team that had won once since January

— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) March 27, 2018

When you combine the importance of tonight’s game, with that little bit of revenge factor, indications point to a Minnesota victory. Toss in some other key factors: 1) – the “rematch” will include a man named Jimmy Butler, along with, 2) – Memphis is on the back-end of a back-to-back, Tom Thibodeau’s team should win in blowout fashion.

Moving on to Gregg Popovich’s team, we’ll keep their matchup vs. the Kings short-and-sweet:

– Sacramento is BAD (the Spurs are 13.5 point favorites).

I fully expect that San Antonio will take care of business.

Assuming those two predictions hold, a Portland defeat of Denver equals a playoff berth. With the Trail Blazers losing their last three games, they are (surprisingly) yet to lock up round 1 home-court advantage. Fortunately for Wolves Nation, if Dame Lillard & Co. beat Denver, Portland can bank on Game 1 of Round 1, at home.

For both of these teams, the playoff implications riding on Tonight’s game are huge. On that note, ya’ll know what time it is:

Get it, Damian. Let’s go.

If you’re asking me,  it’s time to get the champagne ready. I fully think that the celebratory bottle popping goes down tonight at Target Center.

In the event things don’t go accordingly to plan (my bad), Wednesday’s dual vs. Denver will most likely be a win and you’re in scenario. Hopefully, it doesn’t all come down to the Game 7 type environment, but if it does, all bets are off.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com