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Tuesday Part II: Chris Hine on the Wolves challenges before Game 2 Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

In Part II of Tuesday's podcast, host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine for a look back at Sunday's disappointing 109-80 loss to the Nuggets and a look ahead to Game 2 of the playoff series on Wednesday.

The Wolves clearly need to make some offensive adjustments and figure out their identity if they are going to be competitive, but how possible is that given their physical and structural limitations?

And if this is a short series, what might that foreshadow for the offseason?

Tuesday Part I: Wild's 2OT thriller, Vikings drama, big-spending Twins Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: With so much going on in Minnesota sports, host Michael Rand decided to split Tuesday's content into two episodes. But he still started with the biggest story, of course: The Wild's 3-2 double overtime win late, late late against Dallas on Monday (technically Tuesday). A team that rebuilt its style to perform better in the postseason was rewarded in a big way in Game 1.

13:00: There are some key faces missing from Vikings workouts this week, including Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Cook. What does that mean for the days leading up to the draft?

17:00: The Twins made a huge investment in Pablo Lopez, and a Minnesota woman finished fifth in the Boston Marathon.

Patrick Reusse on the Wolves blowout -- and a confession about the Wild Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

Host Michael Rand was joined by Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse for a look at a busy stretch in Minnesota sports.

The Wolves were clobbered 109-80 in their playoff opener late Sunday, and Reusse saw it coming. He turned it off midway through the second quarter, sparing himself some of the worst of it and adding a little extra sleep. Minnesota looked tired and lifeless. Can they be more competitive in Game 2 on Wednesday?

They'll be joined Monday by the Wild, who open their series at Dallas. Reusse confesses that he has a hard time generating big opinions about hockey.

Plus thoughts on the Twins and the American League after a split with the Yankees.

Special Delivery: Timberwolves crush Thunder, make playoffs, set up crazy week in sports Apr 15, 2023

Show notes

Host Michael Rand went late, late, late with a special edition of the podcast after a 120-95 victory by Timberwolves over Oklahoma City in Friday's win-or-go-home play-in game at Target Center.

What it means: The Wolves are in the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2003 and 2004; they will open their series Sunday in Denver while the Wild opens Monday in Dallas, but Games 2-5 of both series will be on the same nights. Next weekend, with two home playoff games for each team and a home series for the Twins, will be quite the spectacle.

How they did it: Three big decisions by Chris Finch, excellence from surprise starter Nickeil Alexander-Walker, savvy from veteran Mike Conley and controlled excellence from both Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.

Wolves, Wild still waiting; Twins clobber Yankees; Boston Marathon, 10 years later Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes that pretty much everything has been settled regarding the NBA and NHL playoffs -- unless you live in Minnesota. The Wild and Wolves still don't know their playoff fate heading into Friday night. Will the Wolves get in? And who will the Wild play? The answer could lead to Colorado in both cases. Plus the Twins scored nine runs in the first inning at Yankee Stadium.

11:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer and editor Bob Timmons joins Rand for an exploration of his piece on Minnesotans returning to run the Boston Marathon on Monday -- a race that comes 10 years after the tragic bombing.

27:00: Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell offered some interesting perspectives on quarterback evaluation.

Chip Scoggins on what the Wolves, Wild must do; Feeling the MLB pace of play rules Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand headed to Target Field for the first time this season on Wednesday to take in some baseball and to more accurately feel the impact of the pace of play rules implemented this season. What he found wasn't unexpected -- a crisper, faster game -- and it reinforced that he will be back sooner rather than later.

9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for a look at the Wolves and Wild. The Wolves are now in a must-win game Friday against Oklahoma City, while the Wild are limping into the playoffs with injuries mounting.

28:00: A Gophers team had to cancel the rest of its season.

Wolves squander large lead and opportunity; Draft will bring clarity for Vikings Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand walks listeners through the disappointment of the Timberwolves' 108-102 overtime loss to the Lakers in Tuesday's play-in game. Even if they came in shorthanded -- by their own doing, mostly -- the game was there to take. But they squandered a 15-point lead and now face the possibility of elimination on Friday.

11:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for an update on the Vikings. We're still waiting for clarity on Dalvin Cook and Za'Darius Smith, but perhaps the draft in two weeks will spur some action and bring some roster balance.

30:00: Pablo Lopez continues to shine for the Twins, while the Wild's playoff seed has been determined.

Chris Hine on Wolves fight, Gobert's suspension; did Lynx jump-start their rebuild? Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at what the Lynx were able to do with the No. 2 overall pick and four more choices in Monday's WNBA Draft. Combined with comments about the roster from head coach/President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve, a new era seems on the way.

7:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand after an eventful 48 hours. Rudy Gobert took a swing at Kyle Anderson and is suspended for Tuesday's play-in game against the Lakers. Jaden McDaniels punched a wall and broke bones in his hand. What is the impact on both the present and the future of the organization?

33:00: Brock Faber made a strong Wild debut, while the Twins are missing Carlos Correa.

Patrick Reusse on the punching Timberwolves, Gophers' pain and resurgent Twins Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at an extremely eventful weekend in sports.

They of course started with the Timberwolves' dramatic Game 82 on Sunday, which included Rudy Gobert taking a swing at teammate Kyle Anderson, Jaden McDaniels taking a swing at a wall and the Wolves surviving to win and get a spot as the No. 8 seed in the play-in tournament. It wouldn't be the Wolves if there wasn't drama, but bigger questions loom.

Plus: The Gophers were outplayed by Quinnipiac over the final 40 minutes Saturday, even if we want to put the blame elsewhere. And Reusse finds faster games and cheap tickets leading to a Target Field resurgence.

Special Delivery! Gophers men's hockey season ends in heartbreak Apr 09, 2023

Show notes

The top-seeded Gophers men's hockey team led 2-0 midway through the national championship game Saturday against Quinnipiac and was poised to capture its first title in 20 years. But then everything changed, as host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Gophers writer Randy Johnson talk about.

Minnesota couldn't sustain offense and tried to hang on for dear life. A late goal tied it and a very fast overtime winner -- just 10 seconds in -- sealed the Gophers' fate in a 3-2 overtime loss that will sting for a long time. You'll also hear postgame audio from a deflated head coach Bob Motzko.

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