The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

On today’s show, Dane is joined in Memphis by Wolves beat writer Jace Frederick of the St. Paul Pioneer Press to rattle off immediate reactions from the Wolves Game 5 loss to the Grizzlies. With the Wolves giving up an 11-point lead in the 4th quarter, a lot of this episode’s focus is on what went into another late-game collapse after having led for the majority of the game.— Memphis thrives by going small with Brandon Clarke at the 5— Why weren’t the Wolves able to punish Memphis’ lack of size in the 4th quarter?— The late-game offense dynamics between Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns— How can the Wolves account for all three of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke?— Can the Wolves, the seemingly better team, rattle off two wins in Games 6 and 7? 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 Chris Herrington, a Memphis Grizzlies columnist for The Daily Memphian. Chris and Dane dig into what has gone into Ja Morant’s performance through the first four games of the series. Also a lot of attention is paid to the Karl-Anthony Towns versus the Grizzlies frontcourt matchup. Officiating in the series, Jackson Jr.s’ disappointing start, x-factor, series predictions and more.— What is up with Ja Morant in this series? Is he hurt?— Should Morant be guarding D’Angelo Russell?— Why the Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke frontcourt is the Grizzlies best matchup for KAT— Chaotic officiating in the series, both ways— DLo from the Memphis perspective— Is there a Wolves counter for Brandon Clarke’s style of play and impact— Our final series predictions for Wolves-Grizzlies 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 breakdown Game 4 of the Wolves-Grizzlies series and to look ahead at what sort of adjustments might come to define the rest of the series. A lot of today’s show focuses on what Memphis has find to work and what questions they may not have answers for. Also lots on Karl-Anthony Towns bouncing back and Jordan McLaughlin, almost out of nowhere, delivering in a big way.— Why the reaction to Game 3 was over the top and not a fair example of “Minnesota sports all over again”— The Wolves needing to pick their poison between Ja Morant and Desmond Bane— Patrick Beverley making Morant work on both ends— Why aren’t Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke sharing the floor more— The role of the refs in a foul-heavy series— JMAC!— Jarred Vanderbilt delivering in Games 3 + 4 and Karl-Anthony Towns facilitating that delivery— Rest of series predictions 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 Kyle Theige of CanisHoopus.com to reflect on and enjoy the Timberwolves bounce back performance in Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Karl-Anthony Towns puts Game 3 behind him, Ja Morant is stifled, Jordan McLaughlin goes off, the environment at Target Center, another protester — we cover it all before heading off to Memphis for Game 5.— Karl-Anthony Towns bounces back with a 33-point, 14-rebound performance— The Wolves effectively forces the Memphis offense away from Ja Morant— Jordan McLaughlin, after not playing at all in Game 3, delivers as the most valuable piece in Game 4— Gotta talk about another protester— Another mysterious Anthony Edwards injury that again wasn’t actually an injury— Also a bounce back game from Chris Finch 48 hours after timeout-gate in Game 3 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 Game 3 of the Wolves-Grizzlies first round matchup, highlighting what went into the Wolves building two separate 20-point leads only to watch both leads crumble away. An obvious key area to focus on in this game was Karl-Anthony Towns, who not only got in foul trouble again in this matchup but also took a career-low of four shots in the loss. Topics today include:— Why did KAT only shoot four shots?— Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns showing off chronic foul problems that have plagued both players for their entire career— Chris Finch opting to save timeouts rather than using them during Memphis’ run— Should Finch be anticipating foul trouble from KAT?— Patrick Beverley effectively attacking Ja Morant, and why that could be valuable if it sustains throughout the series— Anthony Edwards hurts his knee, fades away— What needs to be different in Game 4 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 Game 2 loss in Memphis on Tuesday evening. In a 28-point loss, obviously a lot went wrong for the Wolves. But we try to distinguish if what worked for the Grizzlies in this game are temporary or permanent solutions. Those topics include:— Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul trouble and how that empowered Memphis to effectively go small (taking Steven Adams out of the rotation)— Anthony Edwards’ lack of offensive rhythm and poor shot selection— D’Angelo Russell’s in ability to get his offense going again— After surviving on the glass in Game 1, struggling to defensively rebound in Game 2— Naz Reid and the minutes KAT is off the floor in this series— The value of being able to go home and play in front of the Target Center crowd 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 Wolves Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Dane and Britt breakdown Anthony Edwards’ 36-point night, Karl-Anthony Towns major bounce back performance and how the Wolves other pieces also came to play. They also look at how Ja Morant countered the Wolves’ defensive attack to the tune of 20 free throw attempts and discuss what adjustments might be coming before Game 2.— Anthony Edwards, again, showing up with the lights on as the best player on the floor— Karl-Anthony Towns playing a disciplined and effective game, rebounding from a disappointing play-in loss— The Wolves defensive coverage on Ja Morant and how Morant countered the Wolves’ high wall look— The production from Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels— Comparing the Wolves to the 17-18 Pelicans’ success— The Naz Reid minutes— What we’re expecting in Game 2 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 Kyle Theige to record an instant reaction episode after the Timberwolves play-in win over the Clippers. A reflection on not only what happened in the game but why this matters for this fanbase, organization, roster, front office and coaching staff. We celebrate the performances of Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell and Chris Finch, and acknowledge that this was Karl-Anthony Towns’ worst game of his career. Topics today include:— Wolves back?— Attempting to articulate the wild environment at Target Center— The explosion of Anthony Edwards onto the scene— D’Angelo Russell stepping in exactly when the Wolves needed him— Acknowledging Karl-Anthony Towns’ disastrous performance while noting that he has the opportunity to make up for it in Memphis— Patrick Beverley getting his vengeance— Chris Finch doing what it took to make it work 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 Chris Hine of The Star Tribune to discuss Chris’s feature story on what made Anthony Edwards. Dane and Chris also discuss Chris Finch’s newly minted contract extension with the Wolves and they also get into what lies ahead in the play-in tournament. Topics today include:— Chris’s feature story reported from Atlanta on the joy within Anthony Edwards that fuels who Ant has become as a basketball player and person— Chris Finch signing a contract extension in advance of the play-in tournament— The importance of the alignment between Finch and Sachin Gupta— Looking ahead to the play-in matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the different paths that will materialize based on Tuesday’s result 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 recap our final regular season game of the year for the Wolves and look for nuggets from this game that are relevant as we look forward to the play-in and playoffs. We also reflect on a 46-36 season now in the books and compare this first the Wolves have taken the first steps that the Houston Rockets took a decade ago, when Chris Finch was an assistant on Kevin McHale’s staff. We also talk about what we saw in Greg Monroe’s return and discuss what Nate Knight’s future with the Wolves might be.— Comparing the 2021-22 Wolves to the 2012-13 Rockets— Finch hints at how the Wolves might pursue the Clippers matchup— What Greg Monroe showed in his return on Sunday that leads us to believe he might be able to contribute in the postseason— Nate Knight’s future with the Timberwolves 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 Los Angeles Clippers writers Lucas Hann and Robert Flom of 213Hoops to preview the Wolves-Clippers matchup from the perspective of the opponent. We dig into the four matchups these two teams have had this season — and acknowledge that this matchups are only so relevant, given how much the Clippers have evolved since the beginning of the season. Topics include:— The Chris Finch vs. Ty Lue chess match— The role Patrick Beverley will play, given his familiarity with the Clippers— How the Wolves will handle the Batum-Zubac double look on KAT, and how the Clippers can throw different personnel into that coverage— Paul George’s shot selection and the way he might pursue the Wolves aggressive defensive coverage schemes— The role the benches will play— Our predictions for the 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, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Britt’s most-recent column previewing the Wolves play-in matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. But prior to previewing the Clippers, Dane and Britt reflect on Anthony Edwards’s historic if not a bit overzealous 49-point performance on Thursday night. Topics today include:— Ant’s 49-point performance against the Spurs— How much should we care about Ant gunning for 50 points?— How many teams in the West are a worse matchup for the Wolves than the Clippers?— An extensive preview of the matchup against the Clippers— The importance of KAT’s offensive volume being high— Will Finch go with the same starting 5 against the Clippers? Who will be in the rotation?— The role physicality, experience, poise and Pat Bev will play against the Clippers— Play-in score predictions 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 Anthony Edwards’s career-high scoring night against the San Antonio Spurs and discuss the role a conversation with an assistant coach and the ability to get to the free throw line played in Edwards’s ability to dominate to the tune of 49 points. We also make the case for Patrick Beverley to make one of the All-Defense teams and discuss the impact the Greg Monroe signing could have on the Wolves play-in and potential playoff run.— Ant finding a way to dominate all four quarters— The Wolves coaching staff challenging Ant to dominate— How getting to the free throw line more could put Ant on a different level— Pat Bev’s case for making an All-Defense team— The Greg Monroe signing and the role he could play for the Wolves in 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, we react to the Wolves 18-point loss at home against the Wizards and ask if this was the most demoralizing loss of the season thus far. With a real opportunity to make hay in the pursuit of the six seed, the Wolves got beat up by the size of Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford, continuing a year-long struggle for the Wolves against big frontcourts. In addition to discussing the loss, we run through where the Wolves currently sit in the standings and also reflect on what the return of Jaden McDaniels might mean.— The value lost in being the seven seed versus the six seed— Comparing this loss to the other worst losses of the season— The Wolves chronic problem of underestimating lesser opponents— More size problems: Porzingis and Gafford dominate the interior— Why the Wolves shouldn’t bank on generating turnovers in the playoffs— The return of Jaden McDaniels 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 eventually taking care of business in Houston against the Rockets, in a game fueled by elite offense and often non-existent defense. While it wasn’t a well-rounded performance, it was the second consecutive game that all three of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have produced in tandem. So we look back at the production of the Big 3 this season and wonder out loud about what level they can get to in the playoffs.— The KAT + Ant + DLo trio’s effectiveness this season compared to other Big 3s— The role of Chris Finch’s ability to relate to the KAT + Ant + DLo as people— The impact of Malik Beasley’s presence around the Big 3— Jordan McLaughlin now providing shooting in addition to his usual under the radar impact 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 just an excellent basketball game in Denver on Friday night, featuring perhaps the best center duel we’ve seen in the NBA this season. In addition to discussing the Towns and Jokic matchup, we discuss the role the surrounding pieces enhanced the game — or in the case of the Nuggets, hurt their changes of coming out with the win. We bounce around quite a bit, but here are a few of the topics we hit on:— KAT’s internal belief that he can take Jokic— The surrounding contributions of not only Edwards and Russell, but also the critical role Jordan McLaughlin and Taurean Prince played in the win— The difference between the play-in and getting the six seed— Britt’s most recent column on three concerns that linger as the season comes to a close 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 the DNVR Nuggets crew in Denver to preview the Nuggets-Wolves matchup and discuss how the Western Conference standings are shaking out. Lots of KAT-Jokic talk, along with our takes on which player might be an X-factor in this 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, 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.