Timberwolves – Page 2 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Unique Night May See Both Wild & Wolves ‘Cookin’ at Home

Posted on April 29, 2026April 29, 2026 by David Shama

Years ago, legend was that a certain media member had a strategy when the Wild and Timberwolves were playing at home on the same night. The formula for deciding where to go was this:

Catch the pregame media meal in St. Paul and then head for Minneapolis to watch the Wolves. Why? The food was too good to pass up at the “X,” but he preferred to spend most of the evening covering basketball.

On a rare, perhaps unique evening on Thursday, Minnesota’s NHL and NBA teams will both host games leading 3-2 in best of seven playoff series. Fans can make their own choices on culinary offerings, but whether you go to St. Paul or Minneapolis things will be “cookin.”

The taste in the mouths of Wild fans is likely to be sweeter near midnight Thursday than for Wolves patrons. The Wild has a healthier roster and is coming off a 4-2 win last evening in Dallas against the Stars. The Wolves are without two injured starters, including their best player in Anthony Edwards, and lost in Denver Monday to the Nuggets in a game that may have changed the series’ momentum.

The Wild hasn’t given up more than four goals in a game so far. Last night Minnesota blocked 25 Dallas shots and allowed 22 on goal, the franchise’s lowest postseason total in almost five years. Wild rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt stopped 20 shots. Starting in all five games, he has 2.05 goals against average and .926 save percentage. After last night’s game ESPN hockey analyst P.K. Subban told a national audience the Wild is playing the best of any NHL team defensively.

Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizove — Kirill Kaprizov

This is a series that could already be over with the Wild winning 4-2. A what-if happened in the third game. In the first overtime period Minnesota superstar Kirill Kaprizov had a near miss winning goal in a double overtime 3-2 loss in St. Paul.

After last night’s game Kaprizov was leading all NHL players in points during the playoffs with nine (two goals and seven assists). He’s part of a talented roster that includes veterans and newcomers.

Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin boosted the team’s Stanley Cup playoff chances with the December trade acquiring Quinn Hughes. He’s considered one of the sports’ best defensemen. Just last month the Wild added forward Mike McCarron who has two goals in the series with the Stars. With 7:47 in the third last night he had a clutch goal sending the Wild ahead 3-1 in the game.

Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly made a savvy in-season move, too, when he acquired guard Ayo Dosunmuin in a multiplayer deal with the Bulls. The trade has been a godsend for the Wolves who gave up guard Rob Dillingham who has made minimal impact in Chicago while Dosunmu is showing star potential.

In 42:01 minutes off the bench last Saturday, Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 43 points on 13-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-5 from three and a 12-of-12 from the free throw line. The Wolves needed that performance because Edwards only played about 17minutes before a knee injury sidelined him in that game and for the series.

Minnesota went up 3-1 in the series last Saturday, but things are cozier now after Denver’s 125-113 win on Monday night. The Wolves were playing not only without Edwards, but also a second starter in guard Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his right Achilles tendon last Saturday. The Nuggets played without key starter Aaron Gordon on Monday because of a serious calf strain and he is questionable for tomorrow night.

Defensive strategy, intensity and skill is likely to decide Game 6 tomorrow night at Target Center. Wolves center Rudy Gobert, 33, has at times played some of his best career defense in the series against Denver center Nikoa Jokic—regarded by some authorities as the best basketball player in the world. In Saturday’s game he was -12 in the NBA plus-minus ratings impact but Monday was +12.

Wolves defender Jaden McDaniels has made scoring an uphill battle for All-Star Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray. In the series he has three games shooting under 40 percent (including two under 32 percent). In three of the games his plus-minus has been -13, -12 and -4.

The Nuggets’ best strategy against what can be a hounding Wolves defense could be early in the game positioning Jokic in the low block and consistently giving him the basketball in an effort to put Gobert in foul trouble. As Gobert and other defenders sag on Jokic, the spacing could open up better looks at the hoop for Murray.

Worth Noting

April is National Humor Month which brings to mind Minnesota sports characters who made us laugh.

The late Sid Hartman mangled more than a few words during his WCCO Radio career. A favorite was when he described an athlete that tore his “Khrushchev.”

Former WCCO colleague Dark Star’s phone voice mail said if it’s good news or money, leave a message.

A friend sent this quote by former Twins owner Calvin Griffith: “I can’t tell you exactly what I intend to do, but I can tell you one thing. It won’t be anything rational.”

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DiVincenzo: Wolves to Try & ‘Sneak One Game Off’ in Denver

Posted on April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Tuesday notes column.

The NBA Western Conference No. 6 seeded Timberwolves (regular season record 49-33) open their playoff adventure at Denver Saturday against a No. 3 seeded Nuggets team (54-28) that is favored to win the best of seven games series. Adding to the “mile high” optimism in Denver is that during the regular season the Nuggets won three of four matchups against the Wolves.

The first two playoff games are in Denver and veteran Wolves guard Dante DiVincenzo has a prediction. “…Going on the road those first two games, I think, you know, we’ll be really connected. Try to get in there and sneak one game off.”

Defense will be key for the Wolves gaining a split in Denver and for winning the series. The Nuggets have the league’s highest scoring offense, 122.1 points per game. In the four regular season games Denver scored 127, 123, and 142 points in its wins, while the Nuggets totaled 108 in a March loss to Minnesota.

Denver center Nikola Jokic averaged 27.7 during the season and was a top performer in rebounds and assists. This past season the Wolves did okay defensively against the Nuggets when center Rudy Gobert was on the floor, but things went south when he wasn’t playing.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves player — Anthony Edwards photo courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves

When they play up to their potential, Gobert, guard Anthony Edwards and forward Jaden McDaniels are three of the better defensive players in the NBA. Not only on defense but all around the Wolves played inconsistently during the season but in the last two years have been a strong playoff team reaching the Western Conference Finals.

Edwards had the No. 6 selling player jersey during the NBA season. The top five were Steph Curry (Warriors), Luka Doncic (Lakers), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) and LeBron James (Lakers). Results were based on sales from NBAStore.com, Fanatics.com and Fanatics partner sites.

Wild owner Craig Leipold is more than impressed with new St. Paul mayor Kaohly Her. He told Sports Headliners she has been a “workaholic” lobbying at the State Legislature trying to obtain approval for $200 million for renovations of city owned downtown Grand Casino Arena and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

If the state approves the $200 million it will be part of a $600 million total that also includes $162.5 million commitments each from the city and Wild. Most of the money will be allocated to upgrading Grand Casino Arena which opened in 2000.

The city and Wild have made past appeals to the legislature without success. The efforts by Her, though, are encouraging to Leipold. “So, I’ve never been as optimistic as I am right now,” he said.

Improvements at the arena will include creation of large communal areas where fans can gather to visit and watch the game, grab and go concession areas with no standing in line to pay, small and local business vendors selling products—and addressing that troublesome bathrooms issue.

“The bathrooms, oh, gracious me,” Leipold said. “Our bathroom lines are so long it’s embarrassing. …If you’re a fan coming to our games, you know exactly what I am talking about.”

Once funding is finalized the arena renovation will likely be done over a period Leipold refers to as “three really good summers.” Renovation during hockey season will only happen if it doesn’t interfere with the fan experience. The Wild will play all their games at their arena, with no intent to play elsewhere during the renovation period.

Leipold recently became a minority owner of the Twins. He likes baseball but there was more motivation than that behind his investment. “I believe in the business of sports,” he said.

As an entrepreneur, his stance is the valuations of sports franchises will steadily increase. After this season baseball owners and players will address a new labor agreement. There is prevailing thought a salary cap will be instituted and Leipold describes this as a “great time to invest in the Twins.”

Would Leipold be interested in buying majority ownership of the Twins from the Pohlad family? He said his understanding is that the Pohlads are committed to continuing their long-term ownership. “I am very happy where I am at.”

Former University of Minnesota and Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz had a profound reputation for staying in touch with former players and willingness to help when needed. That’s the kind of memory Pete Najarian has of Holtz who passed away in March at the age of 89.

Najarian was a two-time captain of Holtz’s 1984 and 1985 teams. He spoke with Holtz when the coaching legend was in hospice and the “two talked about everything under the sun.”

Not that long ago the two were living in separate cities in Florida and would drive to an agreed-upon destination to spend time together. It was a pattern of connection established over the years. “He invited me to about every event you can imagine,” Najarian told Sports Headliners.

Najarian, because of his long hair and moustache, tested Holtz’s temperament when he played for him. But that didn’t get in the way of the coach’s admiration for the All-Big Ten linebacker’s discipline and commitment to playing football.

Holtz only coached the Gophers for two seasons before moving on to Notre Dame, but he put in place a resurrected program that gave promise to glory days ahead. “Not any doubt in my mind he would have brought us to the Rose Bowl,” said Najarian who used to impersonate his coach’s voice on the Gopher practice field.

Najarian also has a great relationship with former Nebraska football coaching legend Tom Osborne, 89. Osborne tried to bring the former Minneapolis Central High School player to Nebraska. They have stayed in touch over the years including last month when Osborne hosted Najarian at the Nebraska spring game.

“This is my greatest regret,” Osborne says when introducing Najarian to people, referring to his not being able to sell the former NFL player and world of finance guru on coming to Lincoln.

Like a “second dad” is how Najarian refers to the former national championship coach. “As generous a guy as I’ve ever met,” he said.

Former Gophers basketball coach Jim Dutcher, whose 1982 team won the Big Ten championship, turns 93 on Friday.

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Timberwolves Remain Committed to Minneapolis Arena Site

Posted on April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 by David Shama

It continues to appear that Minneapolis will be the site of a new Timberwolves and Lynx arena. “This team will never leave here. We’re going to build down the street (from Target Center),” Alex Rodriguez told Sports Headliners almost two years ago.

At the time Rodriguez and partner Marc Lore were in litigation with Glen Taylor for control of the Wolves and Lynx franchises. Since then, the two have taken control of the franchises with Taylor no longer involved with ownership.

Timberwolves owner Alex Rodrgiuez — Alex Rodriguez

During an event at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management in February Rodriguez voiced his commitment to downtown, per a story by Jonathan Harrison on Si.com. A city insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently confirmed that commitment to Sports Headliners.

The source said Mayor Jacob Frey has shown a willingness to listen regarding a new arena. The insider added that Frey has appointed senior city officials to meet with basketball ownership representatives.

The source acknowledged much of the details regarding the project are yet to be known or committed to. Sources two years ago said or implied the arena site would be the Farmers Market near downtown. Neither Rodriguez or Frey has revealed a location.

Speculation about locations include City Center, the Star Tribune land in the North Loop and the Farmers Market. Regardless of location, it’s expected that the arena will be mostly or entirely privately financed.

Target Center, now owned by the city, was originally privately financed by Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner. They bought the NBA expansion Timberwolves who began playing in 1989-1990, with their first season in the Metrodome before moving into the new Target Center. Wolfenson was proud of the city and initially considered naming the team the Minneapolis Polars, the nickname being a nod to his high school alma mater, the North Polars.

The city assumed ownership in 1995 with a deal made with Wolfenson and Ratner. Over the years city officials have realized the tax and parking revenue value of downtown sports and entertainment venues. During COVID, for example, the city coffers would have been badly hurt without Target Center, Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium and theatre venues.

It’s believed the city and the basketball owners favor an arena anchoring an entertainment district. That sort of development will need public financing for endeavors such as land acquisition and roads.

While the city council has a less than enthusiastic reputation regarding big business, Frey could provide evidence to sway votes for some public funding. The State of Minnesota could issue bonds to help with an entertainment district project as an investment in jobs and tax revenues while trying to keep the state’s largest city safe and vibrant.

The Sports Headliners source referred to believes the state is likely to approve something like $200 million this spring to help renovate the home of the Wild, Grand Casino Arena and other facilities. That will help continue a precedent of state involvement with sports facilities in the Twin Cities.

The building of a new arena in Minneapolis could be five to eight years into the future. That time period could well coincide with the leadership of a new governor, likely Amy Klobuchar.

The source predicts that 2027 would be the earliest any plan is taken to the Legislature and Klobuchar could be supportive. The insider said Klobuchar recognizes the benefits of big-time sports including revenues that will benefit the city and state.

Target Center is the 29^th oldest NBA arena, exceeded in age only by venerable Madison Square Garden in New York. The facility doesn’t begin to compare with other modern palaces in the league that are creating significant revenue returns for team owners and communities.

Worth Noting

Vikings’ safety Harrison Smith has yet to announce whether he will play next season. What’s certain is there won’t be many more seasons ahead for the 37-year-old. At the No. 18 spot in the first round of this month’s NFL Draft, the Vikings might find it too tempting to resist Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. He has size, speed and versatility, and is likely to be available in the 15 to 32 range of the first round.

It doesn’t take much noodling to figure out why University of Minnesota athletics director Mark Coyle parted ways with women’s hockey coach Brad Frost last month. The Wisconsin Badgers recently won a record ninth national championship, while the Gophers have won six NCAA titles and none since 2016. New Gopher hire Greg “Boom” May faces the highest of expectations with Coyle on record as saying the Minnesota position “is the best coaching job in the country.”

Minnesota icon Dick Jonckowski will do comedy and play his trombone kazoo starting about 8:30 p.m. April 11 at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul, appearing prior to the Mancini’s band. “The Polish Eagle,” 82, has been entertaining at nursing homes and said he doesn’t take offense when audience members nod off.

Former Gopher basketball player Walter Bond and his wife Antoinette have co-authored a new book: “Accelerate a Champion’s Playbook to Fast-Track Your Business Success.” Bond is a longtime popular motivational speaker.

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