The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

On today’s show, we discuss the Toronto Raptors beating the Wolves on Wednesday night at their own game — forcing turnovers, getting offensive rebounds and making 3s. It was also another game where Karl-Anthony Towns got removed by Toronto’s aggressive coverage on him. So we also ask the question of how the Wolves can raise KAT’s usage through the aggressive coverage. We also talk D’Angelo Russell’s extended stretch of cold shooting and get into how the bench is taking form after losing Jaden McDaniels and Malik Beasley to injuries.— Can the Wolves get more from KAT when he’s aggressively being doubled?— DLo’s down, then up, then down production chart this season, and how it has been the opposite of the Wolves defense’s production arc— The role defense will play in Jaylen Nowell being in the playoff rotation— The Wolves have been outscored by 76 points in the three games Malik Beasley has missed this season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Timberwolves beat writer Jace Frederick of The St. Paul Pioneer Press to discuss the five things this season that they were most wrong about. Dane and Jace each run through their five things that have most caught them by surprise. Topics include:— Before we get to our lists, some talk on battling Denver for the six seed in the West— The Wolves finding offensive success without KAT having a massive usage rate— How many wins strong coaching can add— Jordan McLaughlin’s emergence as a consistent rotation player— The Wolves’ shot selection this year— Managing to have a competent defense without having substantial size or frontcourt depth— The importance of Jarred Vanderbilt— How important is getting the six seed?— Much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we breakdown the Wolves win in their rematch against the Mavericks on Friday night. After struggling to find a coverage to get the ball out of Luka Doncic’s hands on Monday, on Friday the Wolves effectively switched up coverages and tried to make someone else beat them. In the process, Jordan McLaughlin was a hidden gem and, unfortunately, Malik Beasley caught an injury that appeared to be serious.— A different defensive coverage plan designed to get the ball out of Luka’s hands, and the role Karl-Anthony Towns played in making that happen— Jordan McLaughlin, Chris Finch muse and plus-minus maestro— How will the Wolves go about replacing Malik Beasley’s minutes if he has to miss time?— D’Angelo Russell caught in another offensive lull, and why the Wolves need him to breakthrough prior to the playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss his most recent column on Anthony Edwards’ significant drop in production since returning from his knee injury. Beyond that, we get into the case Karl-Anthony Towns for making an All NBA team and the significant impact that could have on building the roster going forward. And we also get into Jarred Vanderbilt’s recent play and wonder if he might be the Wolves power forward of the future.— Where we’ve seen Edwards play drop off since his return from injury— Towns case for All NBA, why he’ll likely get it and why that could significantly benefit the Wolves from a roster construction standpoint— DLo’s recent play and how he might fit into the big picture— Vanderbilt, Prince, McDaniels and the future of the power forward position Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into the Wolves home loss to Phoenix on Wednesday, their second loss in a row. As the level of competition has improved and the stakes keep getting higher, the Wolves have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. So we get into the road blocks the Wolves have been hitting defensively and also look for ways than can get a little more offensively, specifically from Anthony Edwards.— Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton’s 4th quarter take over— Is adding defense still the Wolves biggest need?— Holding Anthony Edwards accountable for his play, even through the knee injury— What is the cost of Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent trouble with fouls?— Is Jarred Vanderbilt has a bounce back game, and asking the question: Is Vando the power forward of the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into the Wolves 2-point loss on the road in Dallas on Monday night. A game where the Mavs effectively slowed down Karl-Anthony Towns, while the Wolves struggle to contain Luka Doncic’s playmaking. With a rematch against Dallas coming on Friday, we focus this episode on the tactics the Wolves and Mavs used against eachother, so as to be able to estimate what the rematch might look like. Topics include:— A new defensive scheme utilized by Dallas to take KAT’s driving game away— The Wolves losing the non-KAT minutes and the Mavs dominating in the non-Luka minutes— Wolves switch coverages against Luka in the second half and find some defensive success— Taurean Prince continues to step up, but they missed Jaden McDaniels in this one— Jarred Vanderbilt’s role and effectiveness continuing to shrink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we break down the Wolves win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night — their 11th win in 13 games since the All Star break. Even though the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Wolves continued their recent trend of taking care of whoever the schedule presents. Topics on today’s show include:— Effectively turning focus from Giannis to Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday— The Wolves are showing layers of perimeter defense, even with Jaden McDaniels currently removed from the mix— Leaning in to the Patrick Beverley identity, not shying away from opponents— Reflecting on the Wolves having a top-10 defense 72 games into the season and what that has unlocked— Naz Reid as a high volume roll man— Controlling their destiny to the 5 or 6 seed now that Dallas and Denver are within range Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss his column on why this is a confident Timberwolves team worth enjoying the rest of the season — whatever the final outcome may be. We get into how the Wolves have gotten here and what that final outcome might end up looking like. Topics in our conversation today include but are not limited to:— Karl-Anthony Towns’ ratification tour and acknowledging that individual accolades matter to him— The Wolves officially having exceeded everyone’s preseason win total expectations— The Jaden McDaniels injury and the path(s) the Wolves have to replacing his minutes and production— Looking at the final 11 games of the season— The Wolves developing a Memphis Grizzlies-like confidence— Malik Beasley’s unexpected and unprecedented resurgence over the past three months Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves ninth win in their past 10 games — a 20-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. And as the Wolves keep winning their confidence keeps growing, which reminded me of the progression of confidence the Memphis Grizzlies caught early in the season and have parlayed into currently being the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. So we also look into similarities there. Topics include:— Do the Wolves have swag?— KAT’s growing ability to draw fouls (and lingering propensity to get called for them)— The Pat Bev and KAT leadership duo— Reflecting on a weird stretch in the schedule, and looking forward to the final 11 games— The importance of Taurean Prince during Jaden McDaniels’ injury absence— An announcement on a Wolves watch party for the Boston game on March 27th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into Karl-Anthony Towns’ 60-point performance in San Antonio on Monday and discuss how KAT is aggressively making his case to be on one of the All NBA teams. With making an All NBA team comes the ability for KAT to sign a 4-year, $200 million contract extension this summer. So we also dig into what that contract would look like if he qualifies — and why that should be what Wolves fans are cheering for, even if it comes with a higher annual price tag.— KAT goes off for 60, highlighted by a 32-point third quarter— Why KAT making All NBA this season and signing a supermax contract is the best-case scenario for the Wolves in the long-term clarity it would provide— The correlation between KAT good games and Anthony Edwards having quiet games— Why D’Angelo Russell thinks the Wolves needed to lose that game in Orlando that broke up the winning streak— Relishing in how big of a deal it is that the Wolves have the No. 1 offense in the NBA since January 1st Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves getting back on track with a win over the Heat in Miami on Saturday. A game that had a weird arc, due to Karl-Anthony Towns again picking up three fouls in the first quarter. But this time a game where the Wolves bench picked him up, fueled by a double-double from Naz Reid and by Jaylen Nowell leading the team in scoring.— Eight Wolves score in double figures in perhaps the most balanced performance of the season— Finding ways to get Jaylen Nowell on the floor on why he could be a critical piece come a playoff series— The value of playing Malik Beasley and Taurean Prince around the Big 3 compared to playing two of Jaden McDaniels, Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt around KAT, DLo and Ant— A roster that’s beginning to make a lot of sense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves six-game winning coming to a halt on Friday night in Orlando against the Magic. We get into a game full of foul trouble and the Wolves going ice cold from deep in the second half. The conversation also turns to looking ahead to Miami on Saturday night in a game, like most of the games for the rest of the season if the Wolves want to avoid the play-in, that will be a must-win.— The Wolves missing 17 3s in the final 17 minutes of the game— If KAT gets in foul trouble in the playoffs, how will they deal with it?— Ant leads the team in scoring, looks like his old, explosive self— Changes in KAT’s shot selection and free throw mechanics— Looking ahead to the Miami matchup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of MinnPost joins to discuss the now 38-29 Minnesota Timberwolves, who have won 22 of their last 31 games and are currently on a six-game winning streak. The focus of today’s show is on the Wolves hot run over the past two months, but we also get into comparing this season’s Wolves to the 2017-18 Wolves. It’s a wide-ranging conversation including but not limited to the following topics:— Rolling, winning 22 games since the calendar turned to 2022— Is this the best Wolves team since 2004?— What role a generally easier schedule has played in recent success— How KAT has evolved as a player from his time under Tom Thibodeau to what he has become under Chris Finch— The underrated role Malik Beasley has played in the Wolves being the No. 1 offense in the league since January 1st— Patrick Beverley mania Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into the Wolves winning their sixth in a row. The first time they have done that since 2004. And that leads to asking the question of Is this the best Timberwolves team since 2004?I run through the other seasons that the Wolves have won more than the 38 wins they currently have since 2004 and ultimately come down to deciphering between this year’s Wolves team and the 2017-18 team led by Tom Thibodeau and Jimmy Butler.We also get into Malik Beasley setting the franchise record for made 3s in a game, and take a look at the run Beasley has been on shooting the ball since Christmas. And along those lines, dig into the Wolves 3-point shooting as a team since the turn of the new year.Also discussed is Anthony Edwards returning from his knee injury — using audio from Edwards’ postgame press conference on what the symptoms are that he’s been dealing with in that knee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we dig into the Wolves’ 5th straight win, a 43-point victory over the debris left in Portland. The story of the game felt more like the environment at Target Center tonight, and the new-found idea that the Wolves might actually have something that represents a home court advantage for the first time in decades. We also get into KAT’s continued dominance, and wonder if KAT’s 3-point volume increasing might bring him to another level.— How the Minnesota fanbase is latching on to this Wolves team, and asking what the real value of a home court advantage is— KAT’s ability to get his whenever he wants this year after adding the drive game to his bag— Should we be concerned about KAT’s 3-point volume significantly dipping?— Continuing this run into an upcoming road trip against Orlando, Miami and San Antonio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into the Wolves fourth consecutive win. This time against a short-handed Blazers team that had absolutely no answers for Karl-Anthony Towns. In this episode, we dig into the reemergence of Jaylen Nowell, highlight the differences for Jaden McDaniels since moving into the starting lineup and look at how KAT has evolved as a leader this season.— Jaylen Nowell is back— What sort of role makes sense for Nowell once the roster gets back to full strength?— Jaden McDaniels in the starting lineup, and how we’ve seen the steps he was taking on the bench translate to a starting role— KAT’s recent dominance from 2-point range, and how he’s unlocked that by leaning more into the drive rather than the post up— KAT in his own words on how he has evolved as a leader Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we dig into what we can from a lopsided, 37-point Wolves win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. This episode focuses a lot on the Wolves bench, who continued a trend of excellent play of late in tonight’s game. And with that, we look into the offseason outlook of Taurean Prince and Naz Reid, who can both become free agents this summer. Other topics today include:— The Wolves bench players think they have the best bench in the NBA. Do they?— An offseason outlook for Taurean Prince and Naz Reid, both of whom can become free agents this summer— Malik Beasley getting more time next to Karl-Anthony Towns in Anthony Edwards’ injury absence— The growth of the JMac and Naz two-man combination over the last three years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss the Timberwolves hot start out of the All Star break. Dane and Britt get into what has clicked together since the break and what remains up in the air. After a difficult schedule through February, 19 games remain and the expectations keep rising.— Starting 3-1 out of the break, with wins over Memphis, Cleveland and Golden State— How we’re thinking about the Anthony Edwards injury going forward— The Wolves having multiple levels of depth, not only on the bench but also at the top of the pecking order— The play of Jordan McLaughlin, Malik Beasley and the Wolves’ bench over the past month— Would Golden State or Memphis be a better first round matchup for the Wolves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves’ win over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, fueled by 39 points from Karl-Anthony Towns, and played without Anthony Edwards. The Wolves have now come out of the All Star break with three wins in four games against a tough schedule. Things are clicking into place for KAT and DLo after the break, and the bench group has effectively been waiting in the wings.— KAT goes off for 39 points in a higher usage role in Ant’s absence— DLo is getting to the rim and play his best brand of offense since the All Star break— The value of the Chris Paul rip through from DLo— Jordan McLaughlin’s evolving role and growing effectiveness as the season goes on— Malik Beasley shooting 48% from 3 over the past month on crazy volume— An Anthony Edwards injury update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves going into Cleveland and handling the Cavs size, unlike the last time these two teams matched up. A crunch time 3 by Karl-Anthony Towns triggered by D’Angelo Russell, Patrick Beverley guarding 7-footers, the bench kick-starting the offense and Jaden McDaniels leveling carry the conversation today.— Beating the Cavs (without Darius Garland and Caris LeVert) was going to be about managing the bigs— Patrick Beverley checking Lauri Markkanen— How KAT’s game-winner was a product of KAT and DLo slowly learning how to play together in late-game situations— The Bench Five providing a much-needed spark in the second quarter that got the starters going in the third quarter— Jaden McDaniels clearly leveling up over the past month, and how foul trouble still plagues his rhythm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we dig into the Wolves’ 31-point loss to the Sixers on Friday night that highlighted some concerning trends. Including the Wolves starting five plummeting over the past two months, Karl-Anthony Towns being guarded by a small with a lurking double team, and Anthony Edwards’ continued funk.— The starting five going from being the Wolves’ greatest strength in the first half of the season to a glaring weakness over these past two months— The Sixers guard KAT Utah-style, with Embiid lurking a la Gobert, and why that’s a red flag come playoffs— Jarred Vanderbilt benched in second half— Anthony Edwards’ funk continues, but some signs of life in the third quarter— Seeing Malik Beasley’s value to the second unit in his absence tonight due to a non-COVID illness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, the Wolves come back from the All Star break with a win over a Memphis Grizzlies team that they could see again in the playoffs. It was a D’Angelo Russell takeover game, so we get into how some of the tweaks to his game this season helped fuel his 23-point fourth quarter. We also hit on the Wolves again just getting destroyed on the glass. And also touch on Anthony Edwards guarding Ja Morant tonight and Ant’s bizarre defensive evolution this season.— Why the Wolves matchup well with the Grizzlies— DLo’s 4th quarter takeover, and how he is attacking pick and roll differently this season— A Wolves roster that was built to fail on the defensive glass— Anthony Edwards guarding Ja Morant, and how he seems to be embracing on-ball defense more than off-ball defense lately Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Britt’s feature story on Chris Finch’s lead assistant in Minnesota Micah Nori, and the impact coaching has had on the Wolves exceeding expectations thus far this season. From there, Dane and Britt discuss coaching tweaks we might see from the Wolves in the post-All Star break portion of the season. Topics today include:— Micah Nori’s background as a lifer in the NBA coaching world— The Chris Finch and Nori working relationship— What coaching tweaks we might see from the Wolves in the post-All Star portion of the season— Checking in on the success of the Wolves’ previously dominant starting 5— The areas D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns have found success defensively— Looking ahead to a Memphis matchup out of the break, and to a difficult schedule that will come to define where the Wolves stand in the playoff race Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to take stock of the Timberwolves at the All Star break. Dane and Britt discuss the Wolves winding road to a 31-28 record entering the break and discuss where Chris Finch can make tweaks on the margins to re-establish the team’s identity for the final 23 games of the season. Topics today include:— Jaden McDaniels’ recent ascension and Finch’s unrelenting belief in him— The evolution of KAT’s game, and the similarities and differences to his game compared to Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo— How the Wolves dual-window timeline has reset after the Patrick Beverley extension— What type of tweaks might we see from Finch post-All Star?— Who will and will not be in the Wolves’ playoff rotation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we take stock of where the Wolves sit after losing the final game before the All Star break — their bizarre path to being a top-10 offense and above-average defense 59 games into the season. We also focus this episode on the similarities between Chris Finch and Nick Nurse, and the striking likeness of the Wolves and Raptors’s statistical profiles this season.— If Chris Finch is Nick Nurse 2.0, what impact does that have on winning?— Why the Raptors might be the team most stylistically similar to the Wolves in the league right now— Why the Wolves are adding to their defensive coverage portfolio and what impact those additions might be having on the defensive drop-off this past month— The Wolves shooting woes these past few games, and wondering if there are tweaks that Beasley and McDaniels can make to their shot selection— Inconsistency from DLo and Ant of late Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into Karl-Anthony Towns taking over late in the fourth quarter and overtime in a win against the Charlotte Hornets, we talk about Jaden McDaniels stepping up once Anthony Edwards went down with an ankle injury, and we break down the one-year, $13 million extension Patrick Beverley agreed to on Monday night.— KAT takes over late by getting back to firing from deep— McDaniels stepping into a bigger role once Edwards went down, and why McDaniels is becoming an ideal fit as the 6th man of the future for this Timberwolves team— The Patrick Beverley extension— How the Pat Bev extension draws a clearer line in the sand for the next windows for the Wolves— D’Angelo Russell calls out Wolves fans, and they answer with the best environment at Target Center of the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Matt Moore of The Action Network to discuss where the Timberwolves stand entering the All Star break. We have a conversation about why Matt was bullish on the Wolves this season dating back to the summer. And then Matt is based in Denver, having seen the Nuggets defensive progression first-hand, we discuss how switching defensive schemes to playing Nikola Jokic at the level has made all the difference for them — and also led to annual fatigue-fueled drop-offs in the defense (similar to the Wolves current defensive swoon).— Why the Wolves over (34.5 wins) was a smart bet going back to the summer— How the Wolves have switched defensive schemes with KAT this season, similar to the shift the Nuggets made with Jokic a few years back— The need for a diversity of defensive coverages come playoffs— Will the Wolves defense bounce back?— Will the Wolves finish ahead of Dallas and/or Denver in the Western Conference by season’s end?— Do we think KAT will make All-NBA this season (making him eligible to sign a 4-year $200M extension this summer)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we finally hit on the topic that his been brushed under the rug for the past month: The Wolves’ defense completely falling apart. While the Wolves have had the No. 1 offense in the NBA over the past six weeks, the dirty little secret is that the defense has been almost as bad as the offense has been good. So on today’s we dig into how the Wolves feel like they are coming to grips with that reality, and understanding it is something that needs to change.— Another brutal defensive (+ good offensive!) performance against the Bulls— Needing to find some defensive identity, even if it isn’t the old identity— The importance of having Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt healthy to reignite the defense— The latest evolution of KAT’s offensive game, and how it’s become more reminiscent of Giannis Antetokounmpo than it is of KAT’s old self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of MinnPost joins the show to discuss the Timberwolves standing pat at the trade deadline, and the rationale for and against taking that strategy. We also look forward at the rest of the season, discussing where this Wolves might go in the final 27 games of the season. Topics today include:— The decision to stand pat, prioritizing continuity, over making tweaks to the end of the rotation— What trading for a backup center would have provided, and whether or not that can still be addressed in the buyout market— The confusing discourse surround Anthony Edwards knee injury— Jarred Vanderbilt and the Wolves running into physical fatigue in the second half of the season— The likelihood of the Wolves grabbing the 6-seed, and how Dallas’ trade deadline impacts that— The Ben Simmons for James Harden trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, after a Wolves loss in Sacramento, we focus on the new details that have come up regarding Anthony Edwards’ knee injury, and also get into what the Wolves’ gameplan for the Thursday trade deadline might be. With the news about the knee andthe immediate relevance of the trade deadline, we hit on the game itself less than typical postgame episodes. Topics today include:— Anthony Edwards opens up about his knee injury and provides context as to how the knee has impacted his player over the last month and a half— Edwards’ decision to not rest the knee— The differing perspectives of Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell on how to approach talking about the knee injury publicly— What needs the Wolves still have going into the deadline— Dane’s prediction for what happens at the deadline versus Dane’s opinion on what he would like to see happen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves fifth consecutive win and 13th win in their past 18 games — a win over the short-handed Kings in the first half of a mid-week back-to-back in Sacramento. In tonight’s win, the story again was the Wolves bench leading the way. Topics today include:— Jordan McLaughlin’s massive impact since being reinserted into the Wolves’ rotation, and Finch calling him the MVP of late— The shooting 180s from Taurean Prince, Jaden McDaniels and Malik Beasley— How Beasley’s new role this season has spiked his 3-point volume to Steph Curry-level heights— Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistent play and emotions since returning from COVID— Anthony Edwards’ worst game of the season, and what is behind his recent struggles (looking at physical fatigue of the knees versus mental fatigue of a long season) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Brenden Nunes of The Sacramento Bee to discuss how the Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings might be able to work together as trade partners as the deadline approaches, and also how the Wolves and Kings matchup as they are set to play each other twice this week. Topics include:— What are the Kings going to do at the deadline?— Which of the Kings many bigs make the most sense for the Wolves to acquire?— Do Malik Beasley or Naz Reid intrigue Sacramento as players they might want to trade for— Previewing the two-game matchup against the Kings— How Tyrese Halliburton and Davion Mitchell have been thriving in the absence of De’Aaron Fox— Are the Kings better or worse than their 26th ranked net rating suggests?— How Sacramento might matchup with KAT, Ant and DLo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the return of D’Angelo Russell to the lineup and the Timberwolves’ 4th win in a row. We get into the impact and ripple effect of DLo returning to a team, and specifically bench, that has been rolling lately. Topics today include:— Jaden McDaniels playing the best basketball of his career, and the tricky environment he’s developed through in Minnesota.— The return of D’Angelo Russell, and the return of an 11-man rotation for Chris Finch— Jordan McLaughlin an DLo both playing, and playing together. Eye test versus numbers.— Malik Beasley’s shooting bouncing back, and what’s gone into that over the past few weeks— Patrick Beverley sparking energy on a Sunday afternoon that desperately craved energy— The Wolves being three games over .500 for the first time since 2019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to Karl-Anthony Towns being named an All Star and the Wolves third win in a row. Outside of breaking down why this is KAT’s best season of his career, we get to Anthony Edwards ordering McDonalds, Taurean Prince’s shooting changing the Wolves trade deadline outlook, and what the return of D’Angelo Russell might entail.— The context behind the stats that make KAT a no-brainer All Star this season— How using KAT in a different way on defense this season is changing his perception as a player— Ant drops 25 and orders McDonalds— Prince up to 39% from deep on the season, and how that has changed the rotation and might change the Wolves’ priorities at the trade deadline— Ant, KAT and Pat Bev all get technicals in the first half against physical Detroit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of MinnPost joins to discuss the Timberwolves evolution in the month of January to becoming a team with an offensive identity, in addition to their previously established defensive identity. We also discuss the case for and against making moves at the trade deadline. And then finally get to the upcoming schedule — that is easier than the past month, but may feature healthier teams.— How Chris Finch has developed an offensive identity for the Wolves— Where the numbers attribute the Wolves offensive growth this month— The trade deadline and the case for the status quo (Britt’s case) and making adjustments on the margins (Dane’s case)— Britt goes off on the TNT crew— An upcoming schedule of four games against Detroit and Sacramento, who are bad, but also getting back to full-health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves thorough thrashing of the Denver Nuggets, led by Taurean Prince and the Wolves’ Bench 5. We also get into the changes Chris Finch has made, specifically with Jarred Vanderbilt, that have led the Wolves to have the Number One offense in the NBA over the past month. Outside of that game, we also look at how Anthony Edwards has a case to be one of the final All Stars in the Western Conference. Topics today include:— The Wolves Bench 5 Thriving Lately— How the Wolves went from the No. 26 halfcourt offense for the first two months of the season to the No. 1 halfcourt offense this past month— Anthony Edwards’ All Star Case, and how Andrew Wiggins might be in the way— The similarities and differences between the defensive changes Chris Finch installed in Minnesota and the schematic changes Michael Malone installed in Denver (audio from Malone on the topic included) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves’ 20-point victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night, fueled by a Karl-Anthony Towns triple-double and season-high from Jaden McDaniels in a different role. In a game without D’Angelo Russell and Patrick Beverley for the Wolves and without Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell for the Jazz, our topics today include:— How KAT picked apart the Utah defense at all three levels, and in different ways, in a triple-double performance— McDaniels stepping into an Aaron Gordon-like role next to KAT’s Nikola Jokic— Jordan McLaughlin and Malik Beasley get the start without DLo and Pat Bev, and their roles potentially shifting after the trade deadline— How each player of the Wolves’ Big 3 is playing this year when two of the three are off the floor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves 10-point loss in Phoenix on Friday night, and pose the question of whether the Suns or Warriors would be a better first round playoff matchup for the Wolves. We also take a look at Anthony Edwards playing point guard — as we saw Friday with both D’Angelo Russell and Patrick Beverley out of the lineup. And finally we discuss the proposition of trading Taurean Prince at the trade deadline. Topics today include:— Point Ant: discussing how Anthony Edwards faired playing point guard with DLo and Pat Bev out— The Wolves’ defense again craters made 3s— Would the Warriors or Suns be a better first round playoff matchup for the Wolves?— The pros and cons of trading Taurean Prince at the February trade deadline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves losing D’Angelo Russell to injury and losing to the Golden State Warriors on national tv — in a game where Karl-Anthony Towns and Jarred Vanderbilt did their thing but the Wolves’ shooter did not. Topics for today’s show include:— KAT opting to use finesse rather than force in the post against Golden State, and why the hope is that the memory of this game and how KAT found success sticks with him— Losing DLo and losing the game because the 3-point shooting and 3-point defense was not there— The Malik Beasley predicament, and why there isn’t an obvious adjustment to be made at the trade deadline— Why it is not irresponsible to compare Jarred Vanderbilt’s game to Dennis Rodman’s game back in the 90s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of MinnPost joins to discuss his most-recent column on the ascension of Anthony Edwards, highlighted by Edwards’ 40-point explosion on Tuesday evening against Portland. We discuss Edwards’ growing ceiling and how the nature of his ceiling is different than Kevin Garnett’s was and different than Karl-Anthony Towns’ is, in part due to the position that Edwards plays. The list of topics today include:— Edwards reaching a new level as he further prioritizes attacking the basket while his 3-point shooting numbers also tick up drastically— KAT staring in his role of late but being a limited offensive option, and why that too needs to evolve— The upcoming Golden State, Phoenix, Utah schedule gauntlet— Chris Finch continuing to effectively tinker with both the style of play and who is playing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, Kyle Theige of CanisHoopus joins from Portland to discuss Anthony Edwards' 40-point night against the Blazers that pushed the Wolves over-.500 for the season. Dane and Kyle discuss Edwards hitting another level, the growing chemistry between the Wolves' Big 3, both on and off the court, and what it is going to take from Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of the Wolves to stay on this run as they face an upcoming gauntlet of a schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, after the Wolves knocked of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, we discuss what has driven the Wolves to be the number one offense in the NBA over the past three weeks. We focus on what changed during that stretch of COVID protocol games and how D’Angelo Russell has been the face of this latest team-wide offensive boomlet. Topics today include:— No. 1 offense in NBA since January 3rd— How DLo’s play has been representative of the offensive burst — shooting, passing, playing with pace— Being able to have a dominant offensive performance on a slow night for Karl-Anthony Towns— How a team meeting helped lock the Wolves roster into specific roles player-by-player— Why it’s important that the defense, which has dipped lately, rejoins the party for the Wolves’ upcoming road trip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of MinnPost joins to discuss his most recent column on the chaos that transpired in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta and how he feels Karl-Anthony Towns is unfairly being held accountable for career-long transgressions with the refs. We also move on from the Atlanta game to hit on a series of other topics, that include:— The chaotic Atlanta game, focusing on the interactions of KAT and Anthony Edwards with the refs— Amidst the chaos, the Wolves winning five of their last games (the post-COVID period)— How blended lineups, and specifically Jaylen Nowell, is lessening the burden on the Wolves’ starting 5— What Wolves rotation player is most likely to be traded at the deadline, and for what?— Patrick Beverley’s value as a leader, in which Britt compares to Kevin Garnett, and what Beverley’s future in Minnesota might look like— Looking ahead to the Brooklyn matchup— Our NBA Finals picks at the halfway point of the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we breakdown the chaos in Atlanta on Wednesday that surrounded Anthony Edwards’ ejection and the weird technical foul that became a technical and a flagrant(?) on Karl-Anthony Towns. We discuss the Wolves on-going battle with referees and the role KAT plays in navigating that fine line. We also discuss Patrick Beverley’s ankle injury suffered in the first half and what his long-term future with the Wolves in Minnesota might look like. Trae Young scoring 30 in the second half also comes up.— The Ant ejection— Trying to distinguish what went into KAT not only being called for a technical but also a flagrant foul at the end of the 3rd quarter.— The Wolves on-going battle with the referees and KAT navigating what DLo called a “fine line”— Beverley’s ankle injury and a season of a few nagging ailments, and looking at the proposition of signing Beverley long-term this summer— How Trae exploited the Wolves defensive coverages in a way only he really can Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into what went into the Wolves taking down the Knicks in New York without any player scoring over 21 points. Another strong performance from the bench, and specifically Jaylen Nowell, who took over the game in the 4th and set up Karl-Anthony Towns for the finishing move on Julius Randle. Topics today include:— Being the rare Wolves team that can execute a game down the stretch, and how depth and positional versatility is allowing Chris Finch to get creative with lineup combinations— Nowell, becoming the face of the Wolves bench, taking over in the 4th quarter on Tuesday, unlocking KAT for the game-winner— Looking at the heavy load of minutes that Anthony Edwards is playing next to KAT, and acknowledging how important D’Angelo Russell has been to unlocking the two franchise tentpoles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we dig into what fueled the Wolves 20-point win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night and take some time, now three years later, to take another look back at the D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins swap. It’s an episode with a heavy focus on Karl-Anthony Towns — both in his impact tonight and potential for future impact in his pairing with DLo in the pick and roll. Today’s topics include:— KAT keeps his head, shutting down the Warriors offense at the rime and driving the Wolves offense— Checking in on the KAT-DLo pick and roll pairing, asking if we might see more of that action in the second half of the season— Wolves’ bench sparks a dominant second half— Looking back at the many factors that played into the DLo-for-Wiggins trade three years ago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we breakdown what went wrong in the Wolves loss on the road in Memphis on Thursday night. Getting into why the Grizzlies are actually a good matchup for the Wolves, and how the Wolves took advantage of how they matchup in the first half but got away from it in the second half. Other topics today include:— How using Karl-Anthony Towns as a spacer freed up Anthony Edwards to score 25 points in the first half, and how things changed in the second half— The nature of the Wolves’ Big 3 passing the baton offensively between KAT, Ant and DLo— KAT’s overwhelming offensive foul numbers this season, and how that’s cutting into his impact on winning— DLo’s hot shooting of late, and how he has changed his mental approach to offense after starting the year slow on that end Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Britt’s most recent column that takes stock of where the Timberwolves now stand at the halfway point of the season and looks ahead to the looming trade deadline in February. Topics discussed include:— How this Wolves team has proven to be the opposite of what we expected in terms of offensive and defensive effectiveness— Reacting to what went wrong in a New Orleans game that did not effectively bring the energy or tap into the Wolves’ typical identity— KAT’s postgame commentary on needing to “not listen to the media”— Looking ahead to a critical trade deadline, making the case for specific moves and not being afraid to stand pat— How an ownership group that may want to make a splash could influence the trade deadline— The significance of the Timberwolves hiring Marquise Watts as their new Chief Experience Officer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Timberwolves road loss to the Pelicans on Thursday night that brought them down to 20-21 at the halfway point of the season. A game where the Wolves reminded us that while they have upside that their margin for error is thin. Topics today include:— Coming out flat in the first half in New Orleans— Running through what transpired in the five minutes that led up to the Brandon Ingram buzzer beater— Ant having a big 4th quarter (20 points) but another low-energy start to the game— How this team has the same record at the halfway point of the season as the 2018-19 Wolves team did; a team who fired their coach 40 games into the season— The importance of the upcoming stretch against Memphis, Golden State, New York and Atlanta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we breakdown the Timberwolves fourth consecutive win — a win on the road against the Houston, fueled by a career-high in points and rebounds for Jarred Vanderbilt, who keeps expanding his offensive game. We also discuss Karl-Anthony Towns’ biggest scoring night of the season thus far, and how it feels like the Wolves have clearly taken themselves to a level well beyond the riff-raff of the bottom of the Western Conference. Specific topics include:— Being able to bring the fire, even with Patrick Beverley out— How Jarred Vanderbilt’s 21 points tonight are the culmination of a trend that has show Vando’s offensive role grow— KAT’s 40-point night, and how the Wolves have began to position KAT in a way that fits better around Vanderbilt— How the COVID games helped lay a framework for an offense predicated on ball movement— Nowell, Beasley and Okogie contributing off the bench Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.