Can the Timberwolves end the 33 year drought?

[StickierBuns]

I've never understood this point of view, either in the NBA or the NFL. You really think the NBA conspires with the refs to ensure their desired outcome?

Yeah I kind of 'leave the chat' when fans start going down this road.

[JimmyinSD]

I've never understood this point of view, either in the NBA or the NFL. You really think the NBA conspires with the refs to ensure their desired outcome?

it is rather suspicious that some players get the calls and some dont ( QBs-roughing the passer, WR-PI, etc...in the NBA LeFlop-anything he thinks he can embellish to cover up his shit play ) I dont know that there is a league mandate, but there are certainly double standards. In the wolves case, particularly when it comes to Towns... well his crying and baby like tantrums over the years has led to his own shit, and some of it likely spills over at times onto his teammates.

[Greylock]

it is rather suspicious that some players get the calls and some dont ( QBs-roughing the passer, WR-PI, etc...in the NBA LeFlop-anything he thinks he can embellish to cover up his shit play )  I dont know that there is a league mandate,  but there are certainly double standards.  In the wolves case,  particularly when it comes to Towns... well his crying and baby like tantrums over the years has led to his own shit, and some of it likely spills over at times onto his teammates.

The opening series against the Suns, Towns didn't do much complaining.  But in the opening game against Denver one play Edwards slashed into the lane and his arm was completely hacked so bad he lost the ball, no call.  And then, as has been mentioned the technical foul, on Edwards and no call on the Denver player when he got fouled by Towns.  Maybe it's home court bias and it tends to even out in the end but even the on air announcers where calling out some of the calls.

[purplefaithful]

Gobert questionable for game 2...

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DENVER – The Timberwolves may be without their defensive anchor Rudy Gobert for Game 2 against the Nuggets.

Gobert will be officially listed as questionable for personal reasons, the team said, and he was not at the potion of shootaround open to reporters Monday morning.

The team did not confirm a reason why Gobert wasn't present, but earlier this season Gobert said he would miss a potential playoff game to be present for the birth of his child. Gobert posted a picture of him and his girlfriend to social media in February announcing they were expecting a child. The Wolves lead the best-of-seven series. 1-0.

During a road trip in Utah in March, Gobert was asked if he would consider missing a playoff game to be there for his child's birth. Without hesitation, he said he would.

"I don't think there's any debate to have," Gobert said then. "Coach [Chris] Finch and every guy in this room – that's what I really love about our team, we have a level of human connection and empathy for one another that's really good. I think all the guys will literally tell me, don't play."

The Wolves were preparing on Monday as if Gobert would not be there for Game 2. His potential absence would alter how the Wolves defend the Nuggets. They prefer to play one of Naz Reid, Karl-Anthony Towns or Kyle Anderson one-on-one on Denver center Nikola Jokic with Gobert able to roam the paint while playing off forward Aaron Gordon, who struggles to shoot from the outside.

"It definitely changes things," point guard Mike Conley said of Gobert's potential absence. "He's a big focal point of what we do, especially defensively. Also, offensively as well, but we're a deep team and we got a lot of guys ready to step in and play for us if that's the case, and just try to get a win by any means."

Conley referenced the Wolves might have to throw some "junk" defenses at Jokic to switch up the looks they are giving him. Without Gobert, the Wolves might opt for more double teams on Jokic and scramble around to cover Denver's open shooters. It was a strategy the Wolves deployed in a March 19 loss to Denver at Target Center. The Wolves were without Gobert, Towns and Reid for that game and still almost pulled out the game in a 115-112 loss.

https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves...600364051/

[JimmyinSD]

The opening series against the Suns, Towns didn't do much complaining.  But in the opening game against Denver one play Edwards slashed into the lane and his arm was completely hacked so bad he lost the ball, no call.  And then, as has been mentioned the technical foul, on Edwards and no call on the Denver player when he got fouled by Towns.  Maybe it's home court bias and it tends to even out in the end but even the on air announcers where calling out some of the calls.

Towns reputation is what it is because of how hes been his entire career, Finch has made strides in correcting that attitude and corresponding effort, but that will take time.

[RS_Express]

I am absolutely kicking myself for not recording tonight's game (I work evenings). At Denver, no Gobert, and the Wolves hold them to 80 points?!?

As for the refs... FTs tonight: Denver 13-18, Wolves 9-14. Let that sink in. The Wolves won by 26 and still had fewer FT's than Denver. For the series: Denver 29-38 Wolves 18-26.

[MAD GAINZ]

I am absolutely kicking myself for not recording tonight's game (I work evenings). At Denver, no Gobert, and the Wolves hold them to 80 points?!?

As for the refs... FTs tonight: Denver 13-18, Wolves 9-14.  Let that sink in.  The Wolves won by 26 and still had fewer FT's than  Denver. For the series: Denver 29-38 Wolves 18-26.

I watched it, heck of a defensive performance from the Timberwolves without Gobert.  Naz and NAW were great off the bench offensively AND defensively.  McDaniels was a beast on defense.  They stole Jokic and Murray's souls last night with smothering defense, hustle, and quick hands.  I think they had like 12 blocks and 10+ steals last night as a team.  Not to mention Denver had multiple shot clock violations...  Wow.

Ant is a superstar and arguably playing like the best player in the league this playoffs.  This team looks hungry.

BOOM

[StickierBuns]

https://twitter.com/ShahbazMKhan/status/...3376437650

[Vikergirl]

What a game. Jamal Murray is a punk though.

https://twitter.com/KILLIO_JALEN/status/...qOzWKWWkCw&s=19

[purplefaithful]

Super happy for the Twolves and their fans....That was some unbelievable D last night.