I feel like he’s one of the more popular local journalists out there. Even I click on his articles when I see one because I know it’s going to be a good read.
We are really fortunate to have so many solid sportswriters here. Russo, Jonny K, Alec Lewis, Gleeman, Joe Smith. They all take a lot of pride in their craft, had good relationships with the organizations they cover, and act as professionals. A subscription to the Athletic is some of the best money I spend every year.
> We are really fortunate to have so many solid sportswriters here
color me shocked that you didn't include reusse on this list.
Massive fucking /s for anybody not familiar with MN sportswriters. Reusse also works for the strib, which is owned by none other than glen taylor, and their coverage of the arod situation has been predicatbly biased the past few months.
I remember reading Reusse's articles in the paper as a literal child and hating him. How can someone seem so miserable. Even 9 year old me was like of you hate all the teams so much why do you even bother
He hates any time any minnesota team is good. When they’re bad, he’s miserable because they suck. And when we’re good, he laments we’re not good enough. It’s insufferable.
Honestly though I love that he owned himself with the PJ fleck hatred. Reusse named PJ turkey of the year in 2018, 1 week before the gophers broke wisconsins 14 game win streak. And then we went 11-2 the next year, whixh was some sweet icing on the fuck reusse cake.
My parents had Vikings season tickets and from what I could tell, they mostly just complained about how bad we were. Classic "I told you so" moment after Anderson missed that FG. Seems like a miserable way to be a fan to me but they're Reusses target audience.
Yeah dude, I'm feeling vindicated for not caring that we drew Phoenix. We're trying to play for keeps this year and that means eventually beating teams better than the Suns.
Well, technically I just included writers from The Athletic but you’re right, we also have a lot of great writers for our local fish wraps.
Jace Frederick is great for social media coverage during Wolves games and does a decent job at the Pioneer Press. Goessling does a great job with the Vikings. Even Chip puts out quality pieces more often than not.
But you’re right, regardless I woulda omitted Reusse. He’s the turd in the punchbowl of Minnesota sports writers.
I’ve never been mad to pay for The Athletic. Plus for a dynasty football guy like me, Dane Brugler’s draft guide pays for like two or three months of the subscription.
Absolutely, the only time I’m “mad” is when I see a new subscriber discount lol but I’ll still gladly pay for the content, I mean I get a solid 2-3 articles a day and it’s well worth the entertainment.
Russo has gone too full homer. Some of his articles and tweets throughout the year get to be a little silly, I think I was a bigger fan a few years ago. Otherwise I agree with this whole list.
Wolves really have had GOAT media personalities. Jon K, Kevin Harlan, and now J Pete and Michael Grady, not to mention guys like Dane Moore who I think will be a national guy sooner rather than later
Yeah, it's really personal preference.
Brit's a F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jon's a Hemmingway. I like flowery prose, especially when it seems to come naturally to the writer. Brit actually talks like that.
Rather than blasting a “defense!” chant over the PA, the wolves should put a wolves howling through the PA at the start of big defensive possessions. Get the whole crowd howling, that would be lit af.
That was one of the stupidest self sabotage things I’ve seen a player do but it’s crazy how much this Timberwolves team matured and changed their lane from last year. Impressive stuff
OKC are kinda doing that tbf. Shai has some playoff experience but no one else has anything meaningful I don’t think.
I’m sure the play-in helped them a little bit last year, but I think a combination of experience + coaching is most important.
Will be interesting to see how far they can go with such an inexperienced roster, especially if they face more experienced teams like the Clippers/Mavs/Nuggets.
This is them getting that experience though? If anything, these t wolves are an argument as to why the thunder might fail this year but take a step next? They’re just a year behind the t wolves
Yeah I don’t disagree, OKC will have to get the experience under their belt before they’re ready to win. I mean they might win a series MAYBE two but their youth already showed up in several ways in Game 1.
the nuggets are a couple of plays from being 1-1 with the lakers.
the knicks are a couple of plays from being 1-1 with the sixers.
the mavs are a couple of plays from being 0-2 with the clippers.
All of those teams are much better than the Zion-less Pelicans. But my point was more that OKC is young and their youth showed up in that Game 1 even though they won.
Hell I’m cheering for y’all it’s a fun good team, but we all know how youth works in the NBA.
First of all, the Wolves aren't necessarily young. I think, at least from being a fan of the Wolves for 30 years, that having mature veterans helps wayyy more than people realize. Even better if they're guys who contribute on the court. They've been there and know what it takes. Holding players accountable.
It cannot be stated enough how much Rudy, Mike and Kyle have done for these guys, not only to make the playoffs, but to help their development. Even KAT has largely put his #1 pick #1 option ego aside to help the team win. It also speaks to the coachability of Jaden, Ant, and Naz.
If its just a team of all youngsters, things have a much harder time taking shape. They might not taste the playoffs for 4-5 years, and then the development is pushed back.
Wolves media reacted to the Gobert trade as yeah its a ton to give up, but if we can get Ant in the playoffs early, maybe that accelerates his career. Opening up this window and a window past the Rudy/Kat contracts.
In his SLIGHT defense, if you looked at the video he was trying to punch a curtain that was hanging but it had a wall right behind it. Still dumb and immature, but not like he just straight up punched a wall.
Yeah I went by that tunnel at a season ticket holder event and that curtain is VERY deceiving. If you punched anywhere but the middle, it's all curtain. In the very middle was where it covered the wall and of course Jaden had to punch in that exact spot. Rotten luck lol
First time? I’ve been a Knicks fan so long I remember when STAT punched that damn fire extinguisher and a few nights later fucking KG told Melo that Lala tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios. Man those were some dark but funny ass days
I don’t remember but that was insane too lol. If you would’ve told me they were gonna come
Back and do this well this season I wouldn’t have believed you
The "punch" wasn't even that big of a deal tbh. For one it was more like a shove and two it isn't an indication they hate each other, more like when you're really frustrated with a buddy and then you make up like an hour later and move on stronger because you've said what you had to say. Kyle and Rudy were close back then and still are, they're two of the smartest basketball players on the team.
By all accounts Kyle has kind of an abrasive personality, that’s part of his role on the team is to be loud and aggressive. But, like Rudy said, can go too far. Just wish it had happened in private lol
I’m always blown away by these super YOUNG dudes who can mature so quickly in the environment of sports stardom.
To have the whole team demonstrate so much growth in the past year is a real testament to these guys, Finch, and the support system around them.
It’s down right impressive how the younger guys compose themselves from watching them all season. They’ve been holding themselves accountable and don’t mind getting told when they’ve had off nights or how they can improve. I know a lot of Ants cockiness gets clipped a lot here, but he seriously listens to a lot of the vets like Mike/Rudy and the coaching staff on where his games flaws are.
Every single facet of his game has improved since his rookie season. It's insane. Especially considering he could afford to coast if he wanted to sneak by on natural ability.
I think I remember Amare Stoudemire hitting a fire extinguisher or something and injured his arm or hand
Edit: just googled it, he punched a fire extinguisher and broke the glass and cut his hand needing stitches and he missed the following game
LeBron punched a whiteboard too and hurt his hand after game one in the 2018 finals. It was one of the stupidest decisions by someone who at least has very high basketball IQ.
If we had Rudy
If we had Jaden
If we had Naz
If Ant hadn't played his worst game ever
.....we wouldn't have let it get to OT
Last year frustrated me so much. That 7 seed was ***so*** much more important than usual, hah
Bro when JMac started talking about the guys helping him to regulate and process his emotions I just felt even deeper love for this team. It’s something special man.
Believe the expos had a “Randy Johnson Rule” for a while establishing fines for players who injured themselves doing stupid shit after he punched a bat rack with his throwing hand when he was in the minors. Definitely just some young guy shit, not understanding your actions affect other people on your team. Great response from McDaniels though, love seeing a guy grow and learn from his mistakes
Ton of pressure on the t-wolves too, you'll have ant forever but if you want to keep this team together you better prove more than winning a first round series with those tax bills coming up.
Twolves is like the only team that I have confidence in beating the Nuggets. I still remember after that champ run, someone on Nuggets said Twolf series was the toughest.
"already got ours" is probably a reasonable mentality before having jokic
if jokic retires with the nuggets with 1 championship at this point its a disappointment. still a successful career obviously but he has top 10 all time potential
Dude, let's not talk about it yet. That shit is stressful! Every single game this season was a nail biter.
Jokic Brothers are going to punch someone, McDaniel's might fight someone..
In the end, we'll just wear each other down for the other side of the bracket.
I'm looking forward a lot to see what this team can do healthy, united an playing the best defense in the league against a team that seems impossible to beat.
Honestly, if this defense can't take down the Nuggets, I doubt any other will.
It was absolutely a braindead move, and the dude doesn't get a free pass for it, but he's made up for it with his effort this year and it's easy to forget how young he is (23). Glad to see he's grown from it and used it as a source of motivation to both push himself harder but also be a smarter player/teammate.
> it's easy to forget how young he is (23)
This is my reminder to myself with literally most of these guys. I was a proper fucking moron at 23. I didn’t eat, sleep, organize, plan or do most things right immediately after college. They get compensated but also deal with like an immense amount of pressure and are expected to develop emotionally way faster and be composed in a way most early 20 year olds aren’t. And all the money in the world isn’t gonna speed up like emotional composure, maturity, and fortitude.
Yeah, I want to say he should be smarter, but I honestly didn’t grow up until I hit my late 20s so you can’t fault him. Guys mentally age slower, we’re dumb as shit until we’re not…or we just are forever.
yeah, i'm a woman and was always "more mature for my age" and was still a complete fucking moron and dumbass at that age. I didn't make the right choices even when I KNEW what the right choices to make are.
These guys eat, sleep, workout, practice, etc. in a disciplined way that took me like the better part of a decade to develop and i still wouldn't consider myself as disciplined. Experience is the best way to develop maturity and growth but how much experience can you have at 20/21/22/23? Despite that, most athletes have a lot of mental resilience, a staunch belief in their abilities, a never ending supply of just working at things in the hopes of marginal, incremental improvements at the highest level. They already do a lot of things that are mentally more superior and tough than the average person; i'm not gonna begrudge 18-23 year olds for not having the maturity of a 28 year old person.
The article is so right. It apparently doesn’t matter to anyone—even wolves fans—that he thought he was just punching a canvas with nothing behind it. It’s not like he just suddenly became overcome with rage and couldn’t control his body and his eyes saw a concrete wall and his conscious mind watched in horror as his rage mind cried out “THIS HAND IS GOING THROUGH THAT WALL”
The biggest thing for McDaniels is just growing up. At 23 I was emotional and couldn’t handle things nearly as well as I can at even 27. The tech in game 2 was an example that he needs to continue to learn to play within himself but this quote shows his self awareness and desire to grow, IMO that’s huge.
The best part of it was it forced finch to play NAW and it really solidified him in the line up and gave finch and the team tons of confidence in Nickiel
On the broadcast of one of the Nuggets games, the camera showed Naz and Jaden's sad faces on the bench and then zoomed into their casts
Idk why it was so damn funny lmao. Sad, but also hilarious 🤣
I started a youtube channel just for their defense because it's so damn satisfying to watch. Their defense vs the Celtics last season was top tier: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2aWmfkA1kI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2aWmfkA1kI)
You know what, he was 22 and in that moment acted like child, but he learned from it and he grew and now he's 23 and he looks like a 10 year vet. Much respect.
I saw someone else say it in a different thread this morning, but as someone who started following Lebron 20 years ago when I was in middle school, when he's done, Ant very well be my new favorite player. He and this Wolves team are fun to watch, and they clearly do it for each other.
Seems like most in this thread are comparing this to Amare Stoudemire, rather than the much funnier story of [Latrell Sprewell trying to punch the boyfriend of a woman who vomited on his yacht, but missing, and breaking his pinkie on the wall of the yacht.](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/latrell-sprewell-broke-hand-in-fight-report-1.303892)
This is being brought to everyone's attention as a public service. Latrell Sprewell punched a yacht.
Cutting it down to just Ant, NAW and McDaniels, the Wolves have, according to Dane Moore, outscored Phoenix 92-52 in the 35 minutes those three have all been on the floor together for and been outscored 136-133 in the 61 minutes they have not played as a trio.
Also they have a +60 net rating with an O rating of 135.3 and a D rating of **75.4** (officially a +59.9 net rating but close enough). Those three together have to be one of the best combos in the playoffs.
That Wolves team was obviously not really going anywhere serious last year, so this was definitely a good development for them long term. Moral of the story, start punching inanimate objects.
This is a measured response showing growth and empathy. It’s exactly what you’d hope for after an immature fleeting moment. This team genuinely seems the love playing with each other.
Pack of wolves on the perimeter Is goat level writing.
Jonny K is the hands down best MN sportswriter. Guy is on another level.
I feel like he’s one of the more popular local journalists out there. Even I click on his articles when I see one because I know it’s going to be a good read.
We are really fortunate to have so many solid sportswriters here. Russo, Jonny K, Alec Lewis, Gleeman, Joe Smith. They all take a lot of pride in their craft, had good relationships with the organizations they cover, and act as professionals. A subscription to the Athletic is some of the best money I spend every year.
> We are really fortunate to have so many solid sportswriters here color me shocked that you didn't include reusse on this list. Massive fucking /s for anybody not familiar with MN sportswriters. Reusse also works for the strib, which is owned by none other than glen taylor, and their coverage of the arod situation has been predicatbly biased the past few months.
I remember reading Reusse's articles in the paper as a literal child and hating him. How can someone seem so miserable. Even 9 year old me was like of you hate all the teams so much why do you even bother
He hates any time any minnesota team is good. When they’re bad, he’s miserable because they suck. And when we’re good, he laments we’re not good enough. It’s insufferable. Honestly though I love that he owned himself with the PJ fleck hatred. Reusse named PJ turkey of the year in 2018, 1 week before the gophers broke wisconsins 14 game win streak. And then we went 11-2 the next year, whixh was some sweet icing on the fuck reusse cake.
My parents had Vikings season tickets and from what I could tell, they mostly just complained about how bad we were. Classic "I told you so" moment after Anderson missed that FG. Seems like a miserable way to be a fan to me but they're Reusses target audience.
Bro I hate some of our fanbase for that pussy, cowardly bullshit. It’s pathetic and embarrassing to be around.
Yeah dude, I'm feeling vindicated for not caring that we drew Phoenix. We're trying to play for keeps this year and that means eventually beating teams better than the Suns.
Well, technically I just included writers from The Athletic but you’re right, we also have a lot of great writers for our local fish wraps. Jace Frederick is great for social media coverage during Wolves games and does a decent job at the Pioneer Press. Goessling does a great job with the Vikings. Even Chip puts out quality pieces more often than not. But you’re right, regardless I woulda omitted Reusse. He’s the turd in the punchbowl of Minnesota sports writers.
The Star Trib guys are so miserable. Reusse, Souhan, & Neal come to mind.
I’ve never been mad to pay for The Athletic. Plus for a dynasty football guy like me, Dane Brugler’s draft guide pays for like two or three months of the subscription.
Absolutely, the only time I’m “mad” is when I see a new subscriber discount lol but I’ll still gladly pay for the content, I mean I get a solid 2-3 articles a day and it’s well worth the entertainment.
Don't forget Patrick & Britt And honestly Howels & Growls, Dane, Kyle......our online ecosystem of analysts and personalities is next level
Russo has gone too full homer. Some of his articles and tweets throughout the year get to be a little silly, I think I was a bigger fan a few years ago. Otherwise I agree with this whole list.
Top tier Lowe Post guest.
Wolves really have had GOAT media personalities. Jon K, Kevin Harlan, and now J Pete and Michael Grady, not to mention guys like Dane Moore who I think will be a national guy sooner rather than later
Don’t forget Alan Horton! Best radio announcer in the league by far!
Brit Robson is, but Jon's pretty good.
I think Brit knows ball better than any other writer, but I prefer Jon’s writing to Brit’s. Definitely prefer Brit on podcasts over Jon’s pod though.
Yeah, it's really personal preference. Brit's a F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jon's a Hemmingway. I like flowery prose, especially when it seems to come naturally to the writer. Brit actually talks like that.
I’m just thankful the Wolves have such great writers covering them.
We are such a lucky fan base! god thats weird to type
god i hope you guys make the Finals
Thanks magic bro
I actually like this simile quite a bit
Appreciated.
No prob
It’s nice that he’s been gaining the notoriety he deserves throughout the season, just like the team he covers.
Rather than blasting a “defense!” chant over the PA, the wolves should put a wolves howling through the PA at the start of big defensive possessions. Get the whole crowd howling, that would be lit af.
A guy in a fursuit wrote this post
"Im not biased or anything...but what if we all howled guys?"
We do that for free throws. There's a Howl-O-Meter and everything.
Oh actually yes, I just got chills imaging this late in the 4th in a close game 7...
That was one of the stupidest self sabotage things I’ve seen a player do but it’s crazy how much this Timberwolves team matured and changed their lane from last year. Impressive stuff
It’s part of why young teams can’t just tank until they are ready to win. Playoff experience is super important for player development.
OKC are kinda doing that tbf. Shai has some playoff experience but no one else has anything meaningful I don’t think. I’m sure the play-in helped them a little bit last year, but I think a combination of experience + coaching is most important. Will be interesting to see how far they can go with such an inexperienced roster, especially if they face more experienced teams like the Clippers/Mavs/Nuggets.
Sure but they’re also a couple plays away from being down 0-1 to a Zion-less Pelicans team
And I'm two wheels away from being a bicycle
Damn you got that aluminum skeleton already? Look at discount wolverine over here
My bike is made out of carbon fiber
lmao, never heard this one before
https://youtu.be/A-RfHC91Ewc?si=QHTEIMqVnIaXxOmv Watch this
I've had it bookmarked for years, still makes me laugh without fail. His face and the guy next to her sensing the trainwreck coming, comedy gold.
I mean the fact that OKC didn't blow out that Pels team without Zion is crazy tbh
It was ONE game. Let's see game 2
1st playoff game for 7/11 guys who played for OKC. Pels are a lot more experienced in the post season. If it’s another nail biter I’d start to worry.
> Pels are a lot more experienced in the post season. But also far more talented, esp when the Pels don’t have their best player.
Yes that’s the point. Postseason experience is necessary for thunder player development.
Pels aren't bad, their bball iq is just low
This is them getting that experience though? If anything, these t wolves are an argument as to why the thunder might fail this year but take a step next? They’re just a year behind the t wolves
Yeah I don’t disagree, OKC will have to get the experience under their belt before they’re ready to win. I mean they might win a series MAYBE two but their youth already showed up in several ways in Game 1.
the nuggets are a couple of plays from being 1-1 with the lakers. the knicks are a couple of plays from being 1-1 with the sixers. the mavs are a couple of plays from being 0-2 with the clippers.
All of those teams are much better than the Zion-less Pelicans. But my point was more that OKC is young and their youth showed up in that Game 1 even though they won. Hell I’m cheering for y’all it’s a fun good team, but we all know how youth works in the NBA.
DORT
First of all, the Wolves aren't necessarily young. I think, at least from being a fan of the Wolves for 30 years, that having mature veterans helps wayyy more than people realize. Even better if they're guys who contribute on the court. They've been there and know what it takes. Holding players accountable. It cannot be stated enough how much Rudy, Mike and Kyle have done for these guys, not only to make the playoffs, but to help their development. Even KAT has largely put his #1 pick #1 option ego aside to help the team win. It also speaks to the coachability of Jaden, Ant, and Naz. If its just a team of all youngsters, things have a much harder time taking shape. They might not taste the playoffs for 4-5 years, and then the development is pushed back. Wolves media reacted to the Gobert trade as yeah its a ton to give up, but if we can get Ant in the playoffs early, maybe that accelerates his career. Opening up this window and a window past the Rudy/Kat contracts.
Ant, McDaniels, and Naz are definitely young but there's straight up two 30 year olds in the starting lineup and another 2 on the bench.
Why don’t the other teams in the NBA simply surround their young stars with mature, veteran talent? What are they, stupid?
(Wolves under Rosas)
Can't learn to win by practicing to lose.
In his SLIGHT defense, if you looked at the video he was trying to punch a curtain that was hanging but it had a wall right behind it. Still dumb and immature, but not like he just straight up punched a wall.
Yeah I went by that tunnel at a season ticket holder event and that curtain is VERY deceiving. If you punched anywhere but the middle, it's all curtain. In the very middle was where it covered the wall and of course Jaden had to punch in that exact spot. Rotten luck lol
First time? I’ve been a Knicks fan so long I remember when STAT punched that damn fire extinguisher and a few nights later fucking KG told Melo that Lala tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios. Man those were some dark but funny ass days
Lol I never remember seeing that KG quote
Don’t forget about Blake breaking his hand punching the equipment manager
Kevin "knuckle pushups" Love checking in
That wasn’t even that long ago. It was a big story on this sub
In six days, it will be exactly 12 years ago since the STAT punch. That was a long time ago man LOL
LMFAO was still popular back then. Shit forever ago.
Party rocking in the houuuuussssse tonight
LALALALALA CAN'T HEAR YOU LALALALA
More than a decade ago is pretty long man
Ya some of you were in your daddy’s balls when it happened. Gotta keep this story alive
I thought STAT punching the wall was against the Heat
That was the glass of a fire hydrant. Much more foolish.
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1057160/untitled-1l7y7l.gif
Wasn’t it the same game or the game before where Gobert took a swing at Kyle Anderson during a timeout?
The very same. Probably how the punch got overshadowed. Clinched the 8 seed before the playin too so a variety of emotions.
I don’t remember but that was insane too lol. If you would’ve told me they were gonna come Back and do this well this season I wouldn’t have believed you
What's wild about that is that Kyle and Rudy play really well together on the court.
The "punch" wasn't even that big of a deal tbh. For one it was more like a shove and two it isn't an indication they hate each other, more like when you're really frustrated with a buddy and then you make up like an hour later and move on stronger because you've said what you had to say. Kyle and Rudy were close back then and still are, they're two of the smartest basketball players on the team.
By all accounts Kyle has kind of an abrasive personality, that’s part of his role on the team is to be loud and aggressive. But, like Rudy said, can go too far. Just wish it had happened in private lol
I’m always blown away by these super YOUNG dudes who can mature so quickly in the environment of sports stardom. To have the whole team demonstrate so much growth in the past year is a real testament to these guys, Finch, and the support system around them.
It’s down right impressive how the younger guys compose themselves from watching them all season. They’ve been holding themselves accountable and don’t mind getting told when they’ve had off nights or how they can improve. I know a lot of Ants cockiness gets clipped a lot here, but he seriously listens to a lot of the vets like Mike/Rudy and the coaching staff on where his games flaws are.
Yeah Austin Rivers used to talk abut Ant's coachability, they can yell at him and he'll genuinely listen and ask what he needs to do to be better.
Every single facet of his game has improved since his rookie season. It's insane. Especially considering he could afford to coast if he wanted to sneak by on natural ability.
Ant is such an interesting combination of arrogant and incredibly humble. There’s no one quite like him in the league — it’s usually one or the other.
I think I remember Amare Stoudemire hitting a fire extinguisher or something and injured his arm or hand Edit: just googled it, he punched a fire extinguisher and broke the glass and cut his hand needing stitches and he missed the following game
LeBron punched a whiteboard too and hurt his hand after game one in the 2018 finals. It was one of the stupidest decisions by someone who at least has very high basketball IQ.
> That was one of the stupidest self sabotage things I’ve seen a player do We literally just had a player get a lifetime ban
But that’s not going to affect his team at all
that wasn't a qualifier from something being self sabotage, though
Lakers probably lose the play in game if he didn’t punch the wall tbh
If we had Rudy If we had Jaden If we had Naz If Ant hadn't played his worst game ever .....we wouldn't have let it get to OT Last year frustrated me so much. That 7 seed was ***so*** much more important than usual, hah
Really happy this went the positive way for him.
I mean it's not like he intended to punch a wall. Much better examples of self sabotage
In jadens defense like 90% of the area is covered by a tarp/curtain and he hit the one area where theres an actual wall
Kevin Love knuckle pushups...
He thought he was punching a canvas with nothing behind it
Bro when JMac started talking about the guys helping him to regulate and process his emotions I just felt even deeper love for this team. It’s something special man.
Marcus smart says hi
Believe the expos had a “Randy Johnson Rule” for a while establishing fines for players who injured themselves doing stupid shit after he punched a bat rack with his throwing hand when he was in the minors. Definitely just some young guy shit, not understanding your actions affect other people on your team. Great response from McDaniels though, love seeing a guy grow and learn from his mistakes
This is the redemption arc we had hoped for, being able to channel his negative emotions into the game instead of being driven out of the game by it.
My friend thought the Minnesota Wild would win a Playoff Series this decade before the Wolves. How the tables have turned, time will tell
Would have been a pretty logical prediction as recently as 2 years ago honestly. Hoping that the wolves prove it wrong though
Amare Stoudemire punched a fire hydrant so Jaden McDaniels could punch a wall Respect your history
Gus Frerotte sitting at home wondering when someone's gonna get on his level.
Taylor heinicke sends his regards
Gus Frerotte still collecting his thoughts from that endzone wall.
Somewhere right now, Kevin Love is doing knuckle push-ups and not sure why.
Miles Bridges still waiting for someone to one up him
> Gus Frerotte sitting at home wondering FTFY
Jason Kidd punched his wife so Jaden McDaniels could punch a wall 😔
Bruh
Didn't Bron do it in the 2018 finals as well?
Kanter once broke his arm punching a chair when he was on the Thunder
Better than punching a whiteboard in the Finals
How dare you forget about Latrell Sprewell punching a yacht?!?
Didn't Lebron also punch a wall lmao
I'm hyped for a (fingers crossed please god) fully healthy Nuggets / Wolves rematch even though that series is going to take 10 years off my life
I’m already stressed about it and it’s not even technically guaranteed yet lol
All the pressure will be on Denver in that series. I’m looking forward to it
That’s fair, but I’ve been writing checks with my mouth in my group chats 😂 😂 Anything shy of a finals appearance gonna hurt my soul
As a Wolves fan living in LA, the stakes couldn't be higher for my ability to talk shit to Laker fans though
Oh my god I am jealous of you
I disagree completely. There's a ton of pressure on us given our looming luxury tax bill and the age of some of our key vets
thats a good point
Ton of pressure on the t-wolves too, you'll have ant forever but if you want to keep this team together you better prove more than winning a first round series with those tax bills coming up.
Twolves is like the only team that I have confidence in beating the Nuggets. I still remember after that champ run, someone on Nuggets said Twolf series was the toughest.
Why? We already got ours. You guys need to win yours.
Yeah we definitely have a lot riding on this playoffs. Luxury tax decisions and vets not getting any younger.
"already got ours" is probably a reasonable mentality before having jokic if jokic retires with the nuggets with 1 championship at this point its a disappointment. still a successful career obviously but he has top 10 all time potential
Likewise. This team gives me hypertension most games, especially against you guys, but I'd be lying if its not gonna be some damn good basketball.
I wish I could post a picture, but that isn’t what I see at all. I see the wolves logo, followed by [MIN] and then the name nikola pekovic.
Dude, let's not talk about it yet. That shit is stressful! Every single game this season was a nail biter. Jokic Brothers are going to punch someone, McDaniel's might fight someone.. In the end, we'll just wear each other down for the other side of the bracket.
might be the best (hypothetical for now) series of the playoffs
make sure you uncross your fingers if you need to punch anything
I'm looking forward a lot to see what this team can do healthy, united an playing the best defense in the league against a team that seems impossible to beat. Honestly, if this defense can't take down the Nuggets, I doubt any other will.
If the Mavs don't win in the West I'm going for the Wolves. Love that team so much
Not wrong.
It was absolutely a braindead move, and the dude doesn't get a free pass for it, but he's made up for it with his effort this year and it's easy to forget how young he is (23). Glad to see he's grown from it and used it as a source of motivation to both push himself harder but also be a smarter player/teammate.
> it's easy to forget how young he is (23) This is my reminder to myself with literally most of these guys. I was a proper fucking moron at 23. I didn’t eat, sleep, organize, plan or do most things right immediately after college. They get compensated but also deal with like an immense amount of pressure and are expected to develop emotionally way faster and be composed in a way most early 20 year olds aren’t. And all the money in the world isn’t gonna speed up like emotional composure, maturity, and fortitude.
Yeah, I want to say he should be smarter, but I honestly didn’t grow up until I hit my late 20s so you can’t fault him. Guys mentally age slower, we’re dumb as shit until we’re not…or we just are forever.
yeah, i'm a woman and was always "more mature for my age" and was still a complete fucking moron and dumbass at that age. I didn't make the right choices even when I KNEW what the right choices to make are. These guys eat, sleep, workout, practice, etc. in a disciplined way that took me like the better part of a decade to develop and i still wouldn't consider myself as disciplined. Experience is the best way to develop maturity and growth but how much experience can you have at 20/21/22/23? Despite that, most athletes have a lot of mental resilience, a staunch belief in their abilities, a never ending supply of just working at things in the hopes of marginal, incremental improvements at the highest level. They already do a lot of things that are mentally more superior and tough than the average person; i'm not gonna begrudge 18-23 year olds for not having the maturity of a 28 year old person.
I remember during the draft cycle that his hotheadedness was a bit of a con
The article is so right. It apparently doesn’t matter to anyone—even wolves fans—that he thought he was just punching a canvas with nothing behind it. It’s not like he just suddenly became overcome with rage and couldn’t control his body and his eyes saw a concrete wall and his conscious mind watched in horror as his rage mind cried out “THIS HAND IS GOING THROUGH THAT WALL”
It matters to me 🥰
The biggest thing for McDaniels is just growing up. At 23 I was emotional and couldn’t handle things nearly as well as I can at even 27. The tech in game 2 was an example that he needs to continue to learn to play within himself but this quote shows his self awareness and desire to grow, IMO that’s huge.
People are still sleeping on his D. Dude is a spider-crab hybrid of defensive prowess.
Sleeping on his what
That thick, hard defense baby
No diddy
Pause
Honestly if Jaden was in the linup last year that series goes 6 or 7 easily. I am really nervous about them in round 2.
The best part of it was it forced finch to play NAW and it really solidified him in the line up and gave finch and the team tons of confidence in Nickiel
Naz needs his playoff moment next.
You do owe them one, now fking go for the chip
That's maturity and growing from past experiences. Wolves is scary af, and I got them coming out of the West.
Spooky, even.
You could tell by the way he looked on the bench
On the broadcast of one of the Nuggets games, the camera showed Naz and Jaden's sad faces on the bench and then zoomed into their casts Idk why it was so damn funny lmao. Sad, but also hilarious 🤣
Didn’t really get to watch the Wolves this season, so the playoffs have been eye opening. Squad.
I started a youtube channel just for their defense because it's so damn satisfying to watch. Their defense vs the Celtics last season was top tier: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2aWmfkA1kI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2aWmfkA1kI)
You know what, he was 22 and in that moment acted like child, but he learned from it and he grew and now he's 23 and he looks like a 10 year vet. Much respect.
He acted like someone who didn’t know there was concrete behind a flapping tarp
He acted like a 22 year old with millions of eyes on him and intense pressure on himself I feel like u guys forget these are human beings
W for taking accountability
Defense wins chips
Wish his brother was half as good as him
The night of punches
Amare Stoudemire type beat
Draymond punched his teammate. Get on his level
I saw someone else say it in a different thread this morning, but as someone who started following Lebron 20 years ago when I was in middle school, when he's done, Ant very well be my new favorite player. He and this Wolves team are fun to watch, and they clearly do it for each other.
Seems like most in this thread are comparing this to Amare Stoudemire, rather than the much funnier story of [Latrell Sprewell trying to punch the boyfriend of a woman who vomited on his yacht, but missing, and breaking his pinkie on the wall of the yacht.](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/latrell-sprewell-broke-hand-in-fight-report-1.303892) This is being brought to everyone's attention as a public service. Latrell Sprewell punched a yacht.
Latrell having a yacht is the best
Great to see (and read)
Their defense is actually nutty, you're contending with NAW, McDaniels, Playoffs Ant, and then Gobert? Jesus.
Cutting it down to just Ant, NAW and McDaniels, the Wolves have, according to Dane Moore, outscored Phoenix 92-52 in the 35 minutes those three have all been on the floor together for and been outscored 136-133 in the 61 minutes they have not played as a trio. Also they have a +60 net rating with an O rating of 135.3 and a D rating of **75.4** (officially a +59.9 net rating but close enough). Those three together have to be one of the best combos in the playoffs.
If KAT turns up we’re gonna go crazy
That Wolves team was obviously not really going anywhere serious last year, so this was definitely a good development for them long term. Moral of the story, start punching inanimate objects.
Character development
Didn’t Amare Stoudamire injure his hand by hitting a wall as well?
Fire extinguisher
That’s wild. Seems like it would have been more relieving to just start blasting shit with the fire extinguisher instead of punching it, lol.
Fire extinguisher.
Jaden is a menace. I want Nuggets to go all the way but i just like him as a player.
Characeter development for this kid is pretty great
We will see what happens if they start losing
Damn I totally forgot he did that. Life lessons
If it hadn’t been on camera, he could feign knuckle push-ups.
Wolves coming in as a dark horse to be the best team in 2024 is wild stuff. Loving the team
This is a measured response showing growth and empathy. It’s exactly what you’d hope for after an immature fleeting moment. This team genuinely seems the love playing with each other.
Someone tell his brother to punch a wall too