As an adult, I've always tried to see sports at all levels as an entertaining distraction. I'm not the biggest Wolves fan, but it's been a fun season and post-season. Win a couple series, one of them with a game 7 victory on the road against the defending league champions; making the NBA finals would have been neat, but I'm cool with it.
It was a fun ride, it got me back into the NBA to where I could watch the finals without the wolves in it, but at the same time I’m ready to be in the state of hockey again.😁
Makes absolutely no difference to me losing a playoff game by 30 or one point…a loss is a loss. They had a memorable season, established themselves as the most promising MN team in the Big 4 sports (and knocked out defending champs along the way). Lamenting how it finished is an utter waste of energy & time. Now, if I’d spent hard earned 💵attending the game, I’d maybe feel a bit differently😉…but my point is still the same. A FUN season & hoping the start of something!
Makes absolutely no difference to me losing a playoff game by 30 or one point…a loss is a loss. They had a memorable season, established themselves as the most promising MN team in the Big 4 sports (and knocked out defending champs along the way). Lamenting how it finished is an utter waste of energy & time. Now, if I’d spent hard earned 💵attending the game, I’d maybe feel a bit differently😉…but my point is still the same. A FUN season & hoping the start of something!
I'll go with Sir Charles' take on this one.
In his post-game comments, he said the Wolve's D against Denver in the first two games was the best he's ever seen. After last night's game he said he thought they would force a Game 6 in Dallas....he summed up his analysis exclaiming, "This was embarrassin'!!!"
@streakygopher If U think Charles saying that isn’t a bi-product of him predicting victory for Wolves in game 5 @ getting egg on his face…then you should contemplate spelling the word EVIAN backward. 😉😂
@streakygopher If U think Charles saying that isn’t a bi-product of him predicting victory for Wolves in game 5 @ getting egg on his face…then you should contemplate spelling the word EVIAN backward. 😉😂
He's HOF and Shaq and Kenny agreed with his assessment. They're not in the moral-victory business. The crew also thought that the Wolves played like winning one game to extend the series was enough.
Charles might have predicted victory, but the egg is on the faces of the T-Wolve players.
Obviously a disappointing end to the series that was very winnable for the first 4 games.
Some terrible officiating (as is usual in the NBA), some questionable coaching decisions (particularly on the Luka game winning 3, IDK how you even have Rudy on the court in that scenario when you KNOW Dallas is going to try to iso him on a pick and roll and let Luka or Kyrie try to go 1 on 1 with him where he'd be overmatched - personally I dunno why they didn't tell Jaden and Rudy to stick on Luka and force him to hit the roller on the pick and let them get the tie if they wanted it) and some ill-timed poor performances (namely from one of the best shooting big men in NBA history) were too much to overcome in the series facing one of the 2-3 best players in the league and another top 15-20 guy playing at an extremely high level all series.
When it came down to it, Dallas's two best players were their best players. Minnesota's weren't their two best players until game 4 and 5. Game 4 they won, game 5 unfortunately they got basically 0 help from anybody else. Luka Doncic is an annoying, flopping, whining, crying little baby but there's no doubt he's arguably the most skilled player in the league. He showed it this series, basically tearing down whichever defensive player the Wolves threw at him.
Last night's game obviously ended with a resounding thud after Luka came out of the gates making everything he threw at the hoop, but as others have said, this season was a MASSIVE success and an extremely fun ride.
Now we wait to see what shakes out with the ownership disaster and what, if any, moves they make this offseason.
It looks like A Rod and Lore have found another money backer.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1798766229127389545
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Now we need them to win the arbitration case. Our chances of paying the luxury tax are looking good.
This Porzingas guy might be a difference maker
Here comes Dallas, we’ve seen this movie a couple times
More than anything, I think after upsetting the Nuggets, their lack of experience ploying deep into the playoffs is what caused the Wolves to run out of gas. Experience is always a valuable commodity in the quest to win a championship
More than anything, I think after upsetting the Nuggets, their lack of experience ploying deep into the playoffs is what caused the Wolves to run out of gas. Experience is always a valuable commodity in the quest to win a championship
honestly don't know if it's experience so much as their pick and roll game was played very poorly by the wolves. blitzing luka doesn't work and we chose to let them switch rudy (or the big) onto him over and over or over helped and let them have wide open 3s coupled with playing lineups that required putting ant on irving (or conley, which is also an awful matchup). It was almost like they had no conversation with Rudy on what they wanted him to "give" luka (be that coming to the basket or let him have the deep shot) or more likely rudy had it in his head he could guard luka (he clearly cannot) but they ran 2 plays all series and the wolves couldn't figure out how to guard it. the clearly more "switch-friendly" celts don't have that same problem as Porzingas is much more laterally quick than Rudy (same as Horford)
More than anything, I think after upsetting the Nuggets, their lack of experience ploying deep into the playoffs is what caused the Wolves to run out of gas. Experience is always a valuable commodity in the quest to win a championship
honestly don't know if it's experience so much as their pick and roll game was played very poorly by the wolves. blitzing luka doesn't work and we chose to let them switch rudy (or the big) onto him over and over or over helped and let them have wide open 3s coupled with playing lineups that required putting ant on irving (or conley, which is also an awful matchup). It was almost like they had no conversation with Rudy on what they wanted him to "give" luka (be that coming to the basket or let him have the deep shot) or more likely rudy had it in his head he could guard luka (he clearly cannot) but they ran 2 plays all series and the wolves couldn't figure out how to guard it. the clearly more "switch-friendly" celts don't have that same problem as Porzingas is much more laterally quick than Rudy (same as Horford)
Usually I think blaming coaching is pretty lazy and tiresome. Not in this case. I think Finch got his doors blown off by Jason Kidd and it was a big reason why we lost. I really hope they learn their lesson.
I will be interested to see how the Mavs respond to getting worked by Boston last night. The Dallas big men (Lively, Gafford, Jones Jr) were brutal last night, and Kyrie couldn't make a shot. I would expect Kyrie to bounce back.
There is nothing wrong with saying Finch got outcoached...Kidd and the Mavs have more playoff experience than the Finch and the Wolves. They were the better team in the series and they won. I have no doubt Finch will learn from it he has shown he does that.
Jerry West dies at 86
More than anything, I think after upsetting the Nuggets, their lack of experience ploying deep into the playoffs is what caused the Wolves to run out of gas. Experience is always a valuable commodity in the quest to win a championship
honestly don't know if it's experience so much as their pick and roll game was played very poorly by the wolves. blitzing luka doesn't work and we chose to let them switch rudy (or the big) onto him over and over or over helped and let them have wide open 3s coupled with playing lineups that required putting ant on irving (or conley, which is also an awful matchup). It was almost like they had no conversation with Rudy on what they wanted him to "give" luka (be that coming to the basket or let him have the deep shot) or more likely rudy had it in his head he could guard luka (he clearly cannot) but they ran 2 plays all series and the wolves couldn't figure out how to guard it. the clearly more "switch-friendly" celts don't have that same problem as Porzingas is much more laterally quick than Rudy (same as Horford)
Usually I think blaming coaching is pretty lazy and tiresome. Not in this case. I think Finch got his doors blown off by Jason Kidd and it was a big reason why we lost. I really hope they learn their lesson.
I will be interested to see how the Mavs respond to getting worked by Boston last night. The Dallas big men (Lively, Gafford, Jones Jr) were brutal last night, and Kyrie couldn't make a shot. I would expect Kyrie to bounce back.
Finch definitely had moments where he was undeniably outcoached. But the difference between the Mavs against the Wolves and the Mavs so far vs Boston through 2 games is this: Dallas isn't shooting well. At all.
Kyrie against the Wolves shot 50% from the field and like 39% from 3. He was awful in game 1 and wasnt much better in game 2.
Dallas as a team is 13/53 from 3pt range in two games against Boston. Dallas was 6/25 in game 1 against Minnesota. Game 2 they were 12/30, game 3 they were 14/28, and game 5 they were 15/33. Hell even in game 4, the only game the Wolves won, they were 14/40.
Don't get me wrong Boston is very good defensively, much like the Wolves, and they definitely deserve some credit. But Dallas has missed a LOT of open shots that were falling in the previous series they played.
Boston plays much better defense than the TWolves, that’s a big reason why they’re beating Dallas. Even a 🏀 neophyte can recognize this.
DonDick with 3 fouls late, last one was pretty close to O foul on Brown, but nonetheless ya can’t take the chance of fouling out with 4 minutes remaining after making a huge run to get within a few points. As Jerry Seinfeld would say “that’s a shame” 😉😝
The Celtics have made Luka play defense. I’m oversimplifying it, but that’s the X-factor. I thought Dallas would win last night, I was wrong.
The Celtics have made Luka play defense. I’m oversimplifying it, but that’s the X-factor. I thought Dallas would win last night, I was wrong.
you're not. This is the entire difference in the series. He is a minus defender and why the wolves didn't switch him into every single pick and roll all series is #1-3 in why Finch got outcoached by Kidd. Dallas ran their offense through their stars and we let Luka rest on defense. We had the guards to hound them like Boston does but that only works if you make them also play defense. His efficiency plummets and when he has to stand there and rest all they have is Kyrie iso-ball and he's much easier to defend in that setting than when it comes to him off a Doncic penetration. Now Mazzula has the advantage Finch didn't have in that all 5 on the floor for Boston can switch anything, but they've clearly been ok with living with Luka taking 30 shots and scoring 35 points where we decided to switch and overhelp rather than just keep in 1v1 like we should've, knowing he will wear down in the 4th if you make him play defense. His last 3 game scores (a marker of his overall efficiency) have been some of the worst of his career with some of his lowest offensive efficiencies.
https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1801102787742240842
weird how nobody said anything when he did this every game against the wolves.
Its kind of been the knock on him for years so its nothing new.
@upnorthkid Wasn't a story because he was lighting the Wolves up and kicking their ass right out of the finals.
@upnorthkid Wasn't a story because he was lighting the Wolves up and kicking their ass right out of the finals.
that’s what I mean. The media doesn’t care when you’re a winner, but it’s always been his narrative.
But why would you discuss it if he is the reason the team is crushing? The narrative should be what is going on ion the game/series.
But why would you discuss it if he is the reason the team is crushing? The narrative should be what is going on ion the game/series.
because it's going on in the game and is part of the series? people love to dump on the person who's losing and then ignore things when they're winning (same as they did with Ant in spite of that his efficiency and game score numbers are very similar between the Denver and Dallas series with higher defensive ratings across the Dallas series). you can acknowledge good and bad throughout if it's what is going on. That's part of journalism rather than the sensationalism we deal with now and is also part of coaching
I guess I am still not seeing the issue. Sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me. They ignore Ant's deficiencies when the team is rolling too. This is nothing new.
Boston never even got off the bus for this game. Has a team ever lost by 40+ points in the Finals and still won the title?
Saw this Tweet:
With a 32-point lead, the Mavericks have now evened the score in the series. 356-356
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
There’s only been 1 40+ point win in a Finals game and it was the Bulls when they won a title so I guess not
I guess I am still not seeing the issue. Sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me. They ignore Ant's deficiencies when the team is rolling too. This is nothing new.
to me, it’s more sour when you ignore a prima donna when they’re winning in that it almost embraces the behavior/flaw. Espn published multiple articles on it basically dumping on him saying people have told him to clean it up for years, but when you want him to be the face of the league it stops. More am just saying if it didn’t bother you (as in the reporter/fan) when you’re winning, should be the same when you’re losing.
And it’s fine it seems I’m not going to make you see my side and that’s totally ok. haven’t liked Luka for a long time for exactly this reason, but don’t really care for anyone who is begging the ref for calls (drives me insane when KAT does it as well).
I'm enjoying watching the mavs as they get dismantled by the Celtics. ☘️
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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The city of Boston has won far more than their fair share of titles
And they still don't pronounce the team name correctly. 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Wolves trade their 2030 and 2031 first round picks to San Antonio for #8 pick Dillingham (PG, Kentucky) and no mention of it here.
Is this kid worth the trade? He started one game last year.
The Wolves desperately need scoring. And with the 2nd apron of the luxury tax, Tim Connelly thinks this is the best way to get a scorer. Definitely a win now approach. I personally am all for it.
Also, 2030 is a pick swap. Not entirely losing that pick.
Lets hope Dillingham produces.
Super Bowl, homeboy!
I have never seen him play but in theory I like the aggressive move!
I also like the aggressive move, but we've seen sooo many bad picks from the Wolves, it makes me flinch. The back-to-back Ricky Rubio (#5) and Johnny Flynn (#6) picks (both immediately before Steph Curry) will always be in the back of my mind.I have never seen him play but in theory I like the aggressive move!
The Wolves trade their 2030 and 2031 first round picks to San Antonio for #8 pick Dillingham (PG, Kentucky) and no mention of it here.
Is this kid worth the trade? He started one game last year.
Yes he is worth it.
The #3 overall pick in this draft only started 5 games for Kentucky last season. Part of the reason Calipari is no longer in Kentucky, from what I've heard.
Dillingham is exactly what the team needed for their bench for now and as a starter when Conley retires (assuming he develops). He can create his own shot, is a great ball handler, and can score in bunches. Short term he should provide some scoring punch for the second team (assuming he cracks the rotation). He shot 44% from 3 and scored 15 points with 4 assists per game for Kentucky as a freshman this past season. He's quick and shifty with the ball in his hands and uses that to beat defenders 1 on 1 to get to the rim. He's the type of guy who could go off for multiple 20-30 point games even as a rookie playing limited minutes.
His smaller frame is probably going to limit him defensively but with how many good defensive players the Wolves have I'm sure they're willing to overlook defensive inefficiencies if his offensive game is as good as it has shown to be.
The Terrence Shannon pick at #27 could be a steal too. Gopher fans probably remember seeing Shannon tear the Gophers up in that high scoring matchup (final was like 105-99 IIRC) and Shannon had like 30 points and 7 or 8 rebounds. He also had 29 points against the #2 ranked defense in college hoops during the NCAA tournament (Iowa State) before basically getting shut down by UConn in the elite 8. Shannon played 3 years at Texas Tech (including the COVID year) before transferring to Illinois and playing 2 more years so he comes in as an older rookie than most but he's physically ready to play in the NBA and can provide some more scoring punch to the bench while not being a liability defensively. Like Dillingham, he's extremely quick on his first step and uses it to get past defenders in iso situations but he also has improved his outside shot throughout his career (made 37% from 3 last season). He doesn't have great length (his wingspan is about 6'8" while he stands around 6'7") but his speed and quickness helps him close out on offensive players to make up for it. He averaged roughly 1.5 steals and 1 block per game for Illinois last season.
The Timberwolves made two very good picks in the first round and then traded basically out of the 2nd round entirely to try to save some money (traded #37 and Wendell Moore and his contract for #53, then traded #53 for #57, then traded #57 for I don't even know what). The 37/Moore trade was straight up a salary dump and hopefully it lets Moore get some playing time because he definitely wasn't going to get any here any time soon.
It has been confirmed that LeBron is sleeping with his teammate's mom? 😲
It has been confirmed that LeBron is sleeping with his teammate's mom? 😲
I really hope you know the joke...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Love that move for Detroit. Not sure why Cleveland fired him tbh. He took over as an interim coach of a garbage Cavaliers team, finished that season and stayed on. His first season there went 22-50. From there they went 44-38, 51-31, and 48-34 this season despite their two best players playing 55 and 57 games. They only had 2 players play more than 70 games and still won 48 games and a playoff series.
Detroit is getting a good coach.
Plus he was one of my favorite Gopher players back in middle school.
US Olympic basketball team is absolutely ridiculous and somehow Jrue Holiday is still the most important player