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00:00Welcome to Minneapolis, Minnesota for one of the biggest games of the season for two teams battling one another for
00:07playoff seeding and first round home court advantage with the regular season ending just two weeks from this Sunday.
00:17The Timberwolves are led right now by Julius Randle.
00:21They've won three of their last four entering tonight's showdown with the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant.
00:27Houston playing game two of a four game road trip.
00:31We welcome you to NBA Wednesday presented by State Farm.
00:35Part of the playoff push presented by Advil.
00:41A three way tie in the lost column for fourth place and home court in the first round between Denver,
00:48Minnesota and Houston.
00:50This is the second of three meetings between the Wolves and Rockets.
00:53Houston won the first so with the win tonight would own the tiebreaker.
00:58And everybody, Dave Pasch, Doris Burke and George Sedano.
01:00Let's start with Houston.
01:02Kevin Durant's not going to win MVP.
01:03He may not even make first team All-NBA, but Doris, he's still one of the best offensive players in
01:08the NBA.
01:09The Rockets rely on him heavily and they'll need to if they're going to continue to climb the standings.
01:14It's incredible to think it's year 18, he's 37 years old, he's still third in the league in minutes per
01:20game and he's still the number one option.
01:22And folks, a mind-blowing 15 straight years, 50% shooting.
01:28One of the greatest jump shooters this game has ever known and it comes at you from all three levels.
01:34He's been absorbing the best defender and multiple defenders since he checked in out of the University of Texas.
01:41He is now fifth all-time passing his idol, Michael Jordan, for points.
01:45On the other side, the star for Minnesota, Anthony Edwards, will not play.
01:49George will have that story coming up.
01:51They've relied heavily on Bones Highland and he's been great.
01:54He's really stepped up during the stretch without Edwards.
01:56It's a team of understated personalities.
01:58So Bones comes off the bench.
02:00There's an injection of verve and energy and most importantly, as you mentioned, without Anthony Edwards, that lead productivity on
02:07the offensive end.
02:09But if you're Minnesota, the guy you need to get back to the level he was the last time these
02:14two teams met when he went for 39 is Julius Randle.
02:18His jump shot has abandoned him.
02:20He's got to relax and settle in and continue to affect the game in other ways.
02:24Yeah, he was just three for 14 and a bad loss on Monday against Chicago to start this road trip.
02:31Same starting five for Houston for the fourth straight game with Reed Shepard inserted into the starting lineup with Thompson,
02:39KD, Smith, and Shingun.
02:41And with no Edwards and Ayo Desumu, who's been great, he's out tonight.
02:47So Mike Connelly, who's been out of the rotation, not only is he back, but he's in the starting lineup.
03:02You're 19 for Connelly, 38 years old, playing just his fifth game since February 1st.
03:13Randle kicks it out.
03:15Three-pointer is good from McDaniels.
03:18It's been a career year for Jaden McDaniels.
03:21And starting last year, they started to put the ball in his hands a little bit more.
03:25He has proven he can make shots at a high level.
03:33Durant defended by McDaniels.
03:37Trying to set the screen for Shingun with the shot clock down to seven.
03:41Shingun spinning on Gobert missed the shot.
03:44Cleared by Connelly.
03:50Connelly goes to the right hand and floats it up and in.
03:54Obviously, this is a must move, right?
03:58They had no options.
03:59As Chris said, you've got to break the glass.
04:00It's an emergency.
04:01But Mike is now going to play with the starters.
04:04You hope that raises his level.
04:07Just four points per game on the season for Connelly.
04:10Durant's first shot, no good.
04:13Boarded by Gobert.
04:20Connelly attacking early.
04:22And now Gobert in no man's land for him.
04:25He faces up on Shingun.
04:29And Shingun meets him in the air.
04:31And then a technical foul has been called on Gobert.
04:36They're saying after the play was over, he swung through and hit Shingun.
04:41A loose ball foul.
04:44And this has always been part of Broody's game, right?
04:47I don't think it's anything intentional, but he does swipe down.
04:51He has talked about this because of the number of technicals now costing games.
04:56But there's some flailing typically with him on both ends.
05:01And he said, I'm trying not to think about it.
05:04So now they're saying no technical.
05:07They're looking at a flagrant.
05:08Now this is huge.
05:09If he gets a flagrant foul, it's an automatic two-game suspension
05:12because he's already had six and a total of seven points.
05:17So the next point would put him at eight.
05:19That means he misses two games.
05:21They're saying now just a personal foul,
05:23but they're going to look to see if it should be upgraded.
05:26Because that was part of the play.
05:27That was not after the play.
05:29Yeah, I did not think this was intentional, in my opinion, just looking at this.
05:34He's playing.
05:36You know, there's contact, no whistle.
05:38Obviously, I think it's appropriate,
05:40but it's when his arm naturally comes down.
05:42It's not an unnecessary act.
05:44Therefore, the loose ball foul will stand.
05:46However, it was not a player foul.
05:48It'll be a Houston ball.
05:50It's massive.
05:51I mean, it's the appropriate call.
05:52I was worried when we saw technical come up
05:55because it's something he has had to deal with for much of this season.
06:05Well, first foul in the game on either team.
06:09Five-nothing Wolves.
06:11They don't have gone by.
06:12Second of three meetings.
06:14They'll play again in Houston on April 10th.
06:17The Rockets winning on January 16th back in Houston, 110-105.
06:23Both teams lose the tiebreaker to Denver as well,
06:26so another reason why this game is big.
06:30Shingun driving on Gobert.
06:32Got deep in the paint.
06:33And now floating his foul on the shot attempt.
06:36Late whistle here.
06:37They're going to get DiVincenzo for the foul.
06:50It's going to be DiVincenzo from behind, actually.
06:54He just drops down to give a little assistance.
06:56You're going to see the contact right there.
06:58But keep in mind, this is something Chris Finch right here.
07:01In the first matchup, Shingun actually was pretty effective against Rudy Gobert.
07:07He was 5-13 direct head-to-head matchups in that particular matchup.
07:13And so let's see, because obviously Rudy is a four-time defensive player of the year.
07:18Their defensive numbers pale in comparison when he goes off the floor.
07:23They're nowhere near as good.
07:25Shingun coming off a triple-double Monday in the loss in Chicago,
07:29the fourth of the season for him.
07:30And he gets both free throws for the first points for Houston.
07:39Randall draws.
07:41Amanda Thompson now attacks Shingun.
07:43A tip in by Gobert.
07:54Durant comes and gets it from Shingun.
07:56Stops inside the over.
07:58The jump shot no good.
08:010 for 2 to start the game for Durant.
08:06Dribble handoff to Conley.
08:08Working on Shepard.
08:09Got past him and kicks it out to DiVincenzo for an open three.
08:15But you can see what Mike Conley gives you at that point guard spot, right?
08:19I mean, they run good offense.
08:21There's direction to what they're doing.
08:2410-2 Minnesota.
08:25Shingun in the lane.
08:26He's got all four for Houston.
08:28He is confidently attacking Rudy Gobert.
08:36Tough pass to handle, and DiVincenzo somehow got it away from Thompson, who's a terrific defender.
08:42DiVincenzo driving baseline on him.
08:44Shot clock down to six.
08:47Knocked away by Smith.
08:48Thompson collides with DiVincenzo.
08:50No whistle.
08:50Thompson's hurt, holding his right shoulder.
08:53A three-pointer no good from Randall Conley there with the offensive rebound.
08:58Now McDaniels attacking, and scoring in the left.
09:02And a timeout by Imei Udoka as Thompson continues to hold that right shoulder.
09:09He was doing so many things.
09:12He guarded Dante, made Dante a passer.
09:15Then he's super aggressive as the ball comes loose.
09:18But he took a massive, massive hit to the shoulder.
09:22But now you're essentially playing five on four.
09:24Good English there by Jayden.
09:33All right, Jonesy and Lex, thanks so much.
09:35Minnesota off to a great start, leading 12-4 over Houston.
09:40And with no Anthony Edwards, and I assume Doris has really stepped up during Edwards' absence.
09:45He's out too, so Mike Conley at age 38, who's been out of the rotation.
09:50He's back in and starting, and he's been a big backer so far.
09:53Well, he's playing with the starters, so obviously his job is going to be
09:56a little bit easier.
09:57But everything you would hope Mike Conley could give you through the first couple of minutes,
10:00he's done that.
10:01He's got a couple of rebounds and assists.
10:04There's a verb and an energy he's playing with.
10:07And remember, he had all those years in Utah with Rudy Gobert, and you'll feel that connection
10:14when those two are on the floor together.
10:19It's Jabari Smith on the top.
10:21And then Thompson, who hurt his shoulder on the last possession.
10:24He was holding it for a good minute or two.
10:26He was not getting treated at all on the bench, though.
10:29He got fouled on the putback attempt, and the officiating crew trying to sort out who committed
10:34the foul.
10:37It's going to be on Conley.
10:39Well, this team, as you see the collision that you were referencing his shoulder about,
10:46he went to the bench holding it, but according to George Sedano, never attended to him.
10:51He's like the Black Panther.
10:52He just zipped him up.
10:53He's ready to go.
10:54We just watched his brother play for Detroit.
10:57What a win for the Hawks.
10:59Hottest team in the NBA right now.
11:02Meanwhile, Houston, game two of a four-game road trip.
11:05A bad loss Monday against the Bulls.
11:07It's been their problem this year.
11:08Ten losses against sub-500 teams.
11:14Thompson gets both free throws.
11:16Shambune has the other four points.
11:18Durant 0 for two from the floor.
11:19McDaniels has five to lead Minnesota.
11:22Get an update from George on Anthony Edwards coming up.
11:25It's the fifth-stroke game he's missed for the Wolves.
11:28Conley feeds Gobert.
11:30The connection he talked about is Gobert banks it in.
11:33Mike has been aggressive in pick and roll.
11:36He's been aggressive trying to turn the corner and make plays through the first couple of minutes of this.
11:42It's a huge game in the standings.
11:45Both these teams at 28 losses along with Denver as Durant misses.
11:50Offensive rebound, Eason.
11:52Houston won the first beating.
11:53They can get the tiebreaker with a win tonight here in Minnesota.
11:57Durant 0 for four.
12:00Conley pull off three.
12:02And cleared by Smith.
12:06I mean, think about it.
12:07Mike has barely played.
12:09And look how aggressive.
12:10That's going to be an offensive foul on a man.
12:12Mike Conley is driving a lot of this good start with how aggressive he is being.
12:20And you see the clear, clear hook by a man.
12:23Mike's got his arms outstretched like, excuse me, Mr. Official.
12:27How much more would you like to see there?
12:28Now, Scott Foster saw it immediately and made the call.
12:32Gobert on the cut.
12:33Oh, what a play by Shen Yun.
12:34Meeting him in the air and sending it back.
12:38Smith attacks and finger rolls it in.
12:40Love to see Houston play with a little pace and transition.
12:43Because their offense on a half court is one of the slowest in the league.
12:47So, to get those easy buckets with some of their athletes, that would help immensely.
12:53As Julius Randle has not scored yet.
12:56And coming off a nine-point game.
12:59Three for 14 from the floor.
13:01And a win in Boston.
13:03Traveling violation here.
13:05It was the first win in Boston for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 21 years.
13:10We'll take a look at tonight's star matchup.
13:13Brought to you by Hershey's.
13:14This is when these teams played back in January.
13:17We mentioned Houston won.
13:19And both Durant and Randle had big nights.
13:23They'll play one more time in Houston, April 10th.
13:26But, again, if the Rockets win tonight, they'll have the tiebreaker.
13:29Thompson in the lane.
13:30Decided to kick it out.
13:31A lot of extra passing on the perimeter.
13:33Nobody takes a shot.
13:35And they turned it over.
13:36Just an awful possession offensively.
13:39And Daniels stops the shot inside.
13:42Smith trying to get the rebound.
13:44And Randle comes out of there with it.
13:45Now it's Conley walking into a three.
13:48No good.
13:49No good.
13:49Durant hits the floor.
13:50And a loose ball foul called on McDaniels.
13:52His first.
13:57So, with Reed Shepard now on the bench.
14:00Amen.
14:01Thompson becomes the lead ball handler for Houston.
14:04And that's the key for this team.
14:06Like, you still have so many young guys stepping up to a different level and a different role from a
14:13year ago.
14:13Still trying to find their offensive sink.
14:16Obviously, Durant has been phenomenal even at age 37.
14:20Still one of the best offensive players in the game.
14:22Gobert with the rejection.
14:24Chen Gooden thought there should have been a goaltend.
14:29Long three.
14:30Dave Inchenzo around it out.
14:35And neither team can find the bottom of the net right now.
14:3922% shooting for Houston.
14:4142 for Minnesota.
14:43And another just miserable pass into the backcourt.
14:46Now, Emei Udoko lit up his team after the loss Monday for their defense.
14:52Right now, the issue is offense.
14:54Well, I wondered if this was goaltending.
14:56I really did.
14:57That was very close.
14:58Chen Gooden thought it was.
14:59Gobert will now exit.
15:01Nas Reed comes in.
15:03And this is where you typically will see Minnesota's defense, you know, take a step down.
15:09So, they have got to, as a group, rebound, rim protect, and put some pressure on with their offense now,
15:17Minnesota.
15:18Bones Hyland, who we highlighted in the open, just checked into the game.
15:21He's averaging 20 points per game in the four games that Anthony Edwards has missed.
15:26He's got him in.
15:27Thompson on him.
15:29Tells you all you need to know.
15:30He's an offensive threat, and Thompson's an excellent defender.
15:34Randle for three.
15:37And loose ball ends up in the hands of Randle.
15:41Driving and spinning.
15:42Kick to the corner.
15:44DiVincenzo off the rhythm bounce.
15:45His three no good.
15:47Now, that's what Randle's got to continue to do.
15:49I know it's been a struggle for him shooting in terms of percentage.
15:52He does so many other things.
15:54Durant, in and out, but a foul.
15:57Looking for his first points, and he'll get a chance at the free throw line.
16:02Like, if you're Randle, that is a good one.
16:05Drive to a pitch.
16:08One of the things that's happened for this team, Minnesota.
16:13Chris Finch and I were talking about this pregame.
16:14It's like, their drive and kick to three has come down a little bit.
16:19And part of that is Anthony Edwards going through his mid-range more.
16:22But that play by Julius, where he gets Dante an open shot,
16:26one of your better catch-and-shoot players.
16:29Like, Julius, he's got to find himself, Dave,
16:32because this team's gone to back-to-back Western Conference Finals.
16:35They've got to get Julius back to a high level.
16:38He was sensational in the playoffs last year,
16:41getting them to their second straight Conference Finals.
16:48Now, Durant with both free throws.
16:51And so, six of the ten rocket points have come at the line.
16:54They're back within four.
16:56Minnesota has missed its last seven shots,
16:59and most of those have been three-point tries.
17:06Highland on the step-back gets rid of Gisa
17:08and drains a three-pointer.
17:12He just plays with such verb and great energy.
17:18At 23, Sunday against the Celtics, tying a season high.
17:22Durant in the lane.
17:24Had two defenders come towards him,
17:26and it didn't matter.
17:27He still scored.
17:29First field goal for Durant,
17:31who's shooting over 50% for the 15th consecutive year.
17:35Reid, nice footwork.
17:37In the line, and he scores.
17:38It's Reid.
17:44Ten games left in the season for Minnesota,
17:4811 for Houston.
17:50Trying to get to that four seed
17:51to get home court in the first round
17:53as Shepard drills the mid-range shot.
17:54And that's critical, right, for Reid Shepard.
17:57He has got to set them offensively.
17:59He's got to score it.
18:05Dave and Chenzo left alone.
18:07But the three, no good.
18:16Durant defended by McDaniels.
18:18And McDaniels blocks it,
18:20and then it's off of Durant.
18:23Minnesota ball.
18:26Oh, did Jaden hurt his hand on that blocked shot?
18:30He thinks, Kevin Durant thinks he got fouls.
18:33This is an intriguing matchup all night.
18:35He got ball first.
18:36I think Kevin feels like there was some contact
18:38from behind by the body.
18:43Oh, yeah, that's a foul.
18:44That's absolutely, he had his left hand on Kevin's arm.
18:48No wonder Kevin's upset.
18:50He's still giving Ray Acosta an earful for it.
18:53Three-pointer from Highland, no good.
18:55And Kyle Anderson is checked into the game.
18:58Gets the fortunate bounce.
19:00Highland blows past his man, and how about the defensive play by Thompson?
19:05Highland was going to hammer that one down,
19:06and Thompson sent it back, and then Shepard on the other end.
19:10Cans a three.
19:11Well, he can get cooking on the offensive end now.
19:13He makes a couple early.
19:15Look out.
19:16Anderson deep in the paint, kicks it out.
19:22Reed for three, a little off balance.
19:24There was some contact, it looked like.
19:26Gobert has it blocked.
19:28Houston very active at the rim defensively here on the first.
19:34Well, a hard drive, but honest to God,
19:37if you've ever watched a man Thompson play on the defensive end of the floor,
19:41it could be its own highlight reel for 48 minutes
19:44or however long he's between the lines.
19:46His pressure is unbelievable.
19:48The attention to detail on the ball, off the ball.
19:51They're going to get a carry on Kevin.
19:56Three-minute mark, first quarter.
19:58Minnesota leading by two.
20:02The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
20:07Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
20:10And in part by Target, where fresh finds are perfectly picked for you.
20:16This is NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
20:19Part of the playoff push presented by Advil.
20:21Let's check it out with a third member of our crew here in Minnesota
20:24and George Sedano.
20:25All right, thanks, Dave.
20:26Anthony Edwards missing his fifth game due to a right knee injury.
20:30And regarding his status, he's currently day-to-day.
20:34But earlier today, he was warming up, looking good out there.
20:37But the big day will be Friday.
20:39Friday is the day that, according to Chris Finch's head coach,
20:42he's going to go through a level of testing on his return-to-play protocol.
20:46Ant's been resting the knee prior to today and warming up,
20:49doing some pool work during his absence.
20:51Our Sham Sharania did report earlier today that Edwards could be available Saturday
20:55on our game on ABC or as late as Monday.
20:58But then again, let's not forget, we'll have a better idea after the testing on Friday, Dave and DB.
21:04And George, they're 3-1 without him, but obviously a terrific player.
21:08Third in the NBA in scoring.
21:10I mean, he's absolutely electric.
21:14Foul called on Easton.
21:17That is the first team foul on Houston.
21:20Meanwhile, Minnesota's already over the limit.
21:23And so Nas Reed will be at the line.
21:28Edwards isn't used to missing games.
21:30He missed nine the last three years combined.
21:34And now this is his 15th game missed this season.
21:39He may, Udoka may have just challenged that foul call.
21:42He's having a conversation with the officials.
21:46So we'll step away with 2.33 to go in the first.
21:52So a defensive foul called on Tari Eason.
21:55Keep an eye on the right arm.
21:58Does he knock Nas Reed off his path with that, or is that marginal contact?
22:03I usually feel pretty definitively.
22:08That right there with the extension of the arm and then the path changing a little bit more drastically
22:14makes me think that that's going to stand.
22:19But we're going to get the ruling here, I believe, from Scott.
22:21After he do.
22:22It's been determined that the defender put his forearm into the midsection of the offensive player
22:26while going away from the basket.
22:28But he also took him off his line, and therefore the foul will stand.
22:31It's an unsuccessful challenge.
22:32We'll shoot two.
22:35So, he may, Udoka's out of challenges now the rest of the game.
22:41It's the one part.
22:43Here I'd say marginal, marginal, marginal.
22:45Right there where that path starts to change and that extension of the arm, it's close.
22:51I thought it was really close.
22:56Well, despite that call that they thought that they should have gotten, along with four turnovers
23:02and one of six shooting from Kevin Durant, Houston's only down two late in the first quarter.
23:09Take a look at the upcoming national TV schedule, NBA TV tomorrow, the Hornets and Knicks, NBA TV Friday, Miami,
23:16Cleveland, Portland, Dallas,
23:17Prime Video Saturday, San Antonio at Milwaukee, and ABC Saturday night.
23:21We're back here for the Wolves and Pistons.
23:24For more, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
23:27Well, the Boston win tonight against Oklahoma City helps their cause.
23:32The New York Knicks have used a little bit of a softer schedule to get awfully close to the Boston
23:39Celtics in the standings.
23:40And Boston is second in the East, New York in third as Shepard puts up an air ball.
23:46And in the West, you've got the Lakers in third.
23:49They're at 26 losses.
23:50They beat Indiana tonight.
23:52And then you've got Denver, Minnesota, Houston, all at 28 losses.
23:56Again, the key obviously getting into the top four to get a home court in the first round.
24:03Here's Reid on the drive.
24:05And Capella denies him.
24:09Houston ball.
24:13Thompson.
24:15Gobert with the swat.
24:16His second block.
24:19McDaniels got caught in the air and throws it away as Kyle Anderson comes over to say hello.
24:26I thought that was going to be trouble.
24:29We're trapped in here a little bit.
24:32That's true.
24:32We are surrounded by bars here.
24:35That probably would not have ended well for us.
24:39I didn't see you sort of jumping my path, partner.
24:42Well, he was coming straight for me.
24:44I didn't have to jump in your path.
24:49Shot clock at eight.
24:51Durant just four points.
24:52They double him.
24:54He gives it up to a wide open Shepard.
24:57He's really struggling the last two games.
25:00Three for 14 from three on Monday, one of three tonight.
25:04But a turnover by Minnesota.
25:06Two on two.
25:07Shepard skipped by Highland.
25:12Gobert.
25:13Gobert.
25:14Driving and scoring in Capella.
25:16Wow.
25:16I tell you what.
25:17Bones a little stressed.
25:19You know, Rudy, typically, you know, you've got to place a pass nicely for him.
25:27To catch it on the move and finish, that's pretty impressive.
25:30Durant fouled.
25:31And he'll go to the line.
25:37Valen Gobert is second.
25:41So, Bones Highland, a little turnover here.
25:44You don't hang your head.
25:45You've got to get back.
25:47Just trying to keep in the play, keep in the path.
25:50The read does a nice job stripping it.
25:51And then this is showing Rudy Gobert some trust there, Bones.
25:55One dribble into a move.
25:57Nice finish.
26:00Durant now five points.
26:03Three for three at the line.
26:04He's trying to go 50-40-90 for the third time in his career.
26:08Only Steve Nash has done it more than Durant and Bird.
26:11Both currently twice.
26:13Nash did it four times.
26:16Come on, Dave.
26:17It's insane.
26:18It's like 15 straight years of 50%.
26:21And Knightley, we watch him get the best defender.
26:25He's got a blitz rate that's at the top of the league.
26:28I think that's fifth.
26:30Like, he's absorbing Knightley attention,
26:32and the greatness and efficiency is just ridiculous.
26:34He's at 88% from the free throw line.
26:37Over 40 from three.
26:39And as you said, over 50 overall from the floor.
26:42Shot clock at seven for Highland.
26:44Logo three over Durant is not close.
26:46Rebound by Smith.
26:52Durant has it knocked away by Reed.
26:54And Reed is telling Chris Finch to challenge that,
26:57saying it was last touched by KD.
27:01Kevin's at a high level of frustration right now with the officiating.
27:05And Finch just called a timeout.
27:08And now Scott Foster saying no timeout,
27:11because I think Ray Acosta handed the ball to Durant to inbound it.
27:15So at that point, you can't challenge any further.
27:18I think Kevin felt like there was a level of physicality then,
27:21but he gets the ball there.
27:23And it's, I mean, that was off Durant.
27:25Off Durant.
27:26Yeah.
27:26But again, the challenge came too late.
27:30Shot clock at 13.
27:31Durant downhill.
27:33Floats up.
27:33No.
27:35Out of bounds.
27:36Off of Houston.
27:40Talking about Kevin's resistance, but tonight, just one up for seven.
27:45His points have come from the free throw line.
27:48And Houston is a team, 28%.
27:50Only down four, but five of 18 from the floor.
27:54One of four from three.
27:55They're in this game because they're eight of eight at the line.
27:58Right.
27:58And listen, this is a thing for Emei, right?
28:01You've got multiple guys struggling.
28:03You touched on Reed's.
28:04Shepard's struggles.
28:06Jabari's been struggling.
28:07Tari Eason has been struggling.
28:12Minnesota only 32% shooting, so not much better.
28:15Shot clock and game clock.
28:17Equal, four seconds to go in the quarter.
28:20Randall spinning, falling away.
28:22And that ends the first quarter.
28:25Randall went 0 for 4, no points.
28:27But his team is up 4 as these teams shoot a combined 30% in, let's just say,
28:34not an aesthetically pleasing offensive opening frame here in the Twin Cities.
28:45Time for tonight's access.
28:48We're here with Reed Shepard of the Rockets.
28:50Shots aren't necessarily falling tonight, but you're able to get to the free throw line.
28:53What has allowed you guys to have success in that regard?
28:56Yeah, we just got to keep being aggressive.
28:58You know, they punched us in the mouth early.
29:00We got down.
29:00We just got to keep fighting and stick to the game plan.
29:02Without Edwards out there, what changes potentially defensively for you guys?
29:07Yeah, just everybody's more aggressive when he's not on the floor looking to get up shots,
29:11because that's just a lot of scoring that's not out there.
29:13But, you know, same difference.
29:15You know, we just got to keep sticking to the game plan and do what we do.
29:18Reed, good luck.
29:18Thank you.
29:19Appreciate it.
29:20Dave, DB?
29:21Well, George Houston has as many blocks as field goals.
29:24Five, but they only trail by four.
29:31That was just a miserable first quarter shooting.
29:3331 and 28 percent.
29:35Combined four for 17 from three.
29:37And seven turnovers between the teams.
29:41Randall kicks it out to Reed.
29:43Shot clock at one.
29:44Reed gets it away and it's good.
29:46He has got so much offensive game.
29:50One of the candidates again for six man of the year.
29:53He's already won that once.
29:55I like his adaptability.
29:57You know, he's had to fit into different makeup of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
30:02He's always carved a role.
30:05Jabari Smith has it go in and out.
30:07Thompson with the offensive rebound.
30:09Aaron Holiday checking in.
30:10And he can do that.
30:12He knocks down a three.
30:13Shoots close to 40 percent.
30:15And you know one of Houston's best offensive options is their ability to offensive rebound.
30:20I mean, they're getting almost 39 percent of their own misses.
30:25A foul called on Houston.
30:30Let's watch Julius Randle.
30:32Good vision.
30:35And that's the king, right?
30:37I keep saying it.
30:38Like, Julius, you're a playmaker in addition to a scorer.
30:42Like, you can do so many things to help your group even if your jumper isn't going.
30:46He's got three assists.
30:47He averages five per game.
30:49That was not an assist.
30:51Unless he's throwing it to the person holding the popcorn in the third row.
30:57He can shoot it though, that guy with the popcorn.
31:02I mean, Thompson picked up his second foul, by the way.
31:04Keep an eye on that.
31:06Here's Finney Smith.
31:07It's been a rough year for him.
31:08Just hasn't gone his way as he turns it over.
31:12He missed the first two months of the season coming off ankle surgery in the offseason.
31:19He's just never been able to find his way.
31:24Randle gets downhill and Julius Randle finally on the board.
31:31That's him at his best, right?
31:33Getting down here, using that big frame.
31:36Defense!
31:37Defense!
31:39Defense!
31:39Defense!
31:40And it's gone by second quarter.
31:41Minnesota by six.
31:43Shen Goon goes in the chest of Randle.
31:46And deflection by Highland, but kept alive.
31:48Holiday gives it up.
31:51Smith with one on the timer.
31:53And we've got a whistle and a foul called here on Nas Reid.
31:58And they're saying not on the shot.
32:00So, side out of bounds.
32:04First person, first team foul.
32:06It came with 1.2 on the shot clock.
32:11Reach and slap.
32:13It was early.
32:14It was well early.
32:15Defense!
32:17Defense!
32:17Defense!
32:18Defense!
32:19Defense!
32:22Good defense by Anderson right in the grill of Smith who has to put up a three with two
32:27on the timer and his struggles continue, but a second chance opportunity.
32:30Smith just won a four.
32:33He was two for ten.
32:34Six points in his last game.
32:36He'll pull up from 15 and that one swishes through.
32:40Kevin Durant struggling.
32:41Now he's getting his rest.
32:43Who is going to deliver consistently for Houston offensively?
32:49Dave Vincenzo fires.
32:51Three is off the mark.
32:52Rebound Holiday.
32:57Thompson penetrates and kicks Smith.
33:00Three is short.
33:02Randle's got the board.
33:07Randle going all the way the length of the floor.
33:10Count the basket and one.
33:11Three-point chance for Julius Randle.
33:15You've got to keep playing, right?
33:17It's been such a monumental struggle with your jump shot.
33:20But the rake and take off the window.
33:23Nobody's set defensively.
33:25Jogging back up here, Houston.
33:26And this is six-foot-eight, 250 pounds saying, I love contact.
33:30My specialty is in wands.
33:33And Ann's showing him a little bit of a flex.
33:35And you mentioned the defensive miscommunication.
33:38The other night against the Bulls as the ball rolls off the rim.
33:42Free throw no good.
33:43But Imei Udoko said afterwards that we did not respect the game with the way we came out.
33:49Not saying that's the case again today.
33:51But lackluster offense.
33:52The defense not good.
33:53Another turnover.
33:54Randle with a snap.
33:57And Udoko going to make them play through it right now.
34:02I don't think the turnovers on both sides.
34:05I wouldn't say it's been a ton of force by great aggressive defense.
34:10I mean, a couple, for sure.
34:13Shane Goon goes right at Randle and puts it in.
34:18They definitely need him to step up offensively with Durant out of the lineup.
34:23He's averaging 20 points per game.
34:25He's got six so far tonight.
34:27It's only a six-point deficit on the road.
34:29Four minutes gone by in quarter number two.
34:31Randle with the hot hand drives and kicks the read.
34:35And he stepped out on Minnesota turnover.
34:40Turnover again by Minnesota.
34:42But let's watch the anticipation.
34:44Julius was hanging back and just baiting that pass.
34:49Knew that they wanted to enter to the free throw line area.
34:52Just hangs back long enough to shoot the gap.
34:58Randle three of three from the floor here on the quarter
35:01after going 0 for 4 in the first.
35:03Another turnover.
35:04That's seven for Houston.
35:05Two on one.
35:06That's the pass.
35:07And slams it down.
35:09And with the foul.
35:12I am surprised he may not use in the timeout.
35:17He may very upset with the carelessness of his group right now.
35:21They only have one more basket than they do turnovers.
35:25He said three is good.
35:26And boy, did he need that.
35:27He was just three for 36 in the month prior to that hit.
35:31And out of here stretching one for 25.
35:34I mean, that guy through January was shooting such a good percentage.
35:37He was in the upper 40s.
35:40Reid goes to the left hand and missed it.
35:42One and done.
35:44Opportunity in transition for Houston.
35:46And Minnesota gets back.
35:49Eason working on Anderson.
35:51And Anderson blocks it.
35:52Eason tries to go back up with it.
35:54Missed it.
35:56And Anderson trying to start the break.
36:03Randle with a jab and fire.
36:05The three no good.
36:06Poked out to Thompson.
36:07No, no, no, no, no, no.
36:09Three on two.
36:10Smith in the lane.
36:11Puts up the shot.
36:12It's good.
36:12A couple buckets by him here.
36:14Listen, this has not been a masterpiece.
36:16But neither team can get separation from the other.
36:25Mike Conley with Io DeSumo out.
36:28Getting the start at point guard.
36:29Playing just his second game this month.
36:32And fifth game since Feb 1.
36:35Nice throw by DiVincenzo.
36:37He missed the scoop.
36:38It's out to Conley.
36:39He gets DiVincenzo another look.
36:41And the three goes down.
36:46Chris Finch said when he had to bench Mike Conley,
36:50it's one of the hardest decisions he's ever had to make
36:53because of all the little things in leadership
36:56that Conley provides.
36:57And we're seeing that tonight.
37:02Shot clock down to five.
37:04Shane Goon.
37:06Holiday with two seconds left.
37:09Puts it up with one.
37:11Can't make the shot.
37:13Minnesota ball.
37:14Minnesota's defense.
37:15You've got to give him some credit, right?
37:17And this is something that they've done in the four games without Anthony.
37:20Their defense has been better.
37:23Randall loses the ball.
37:24He thought there should have been a foul call.
37:26Eason on the other end.
37:27His foul.
37:31Second team foul on the Wolves.
37:33Second personal on Nas Reed.
37:36Minnesota, Houston, both teams being physical.
37:39Nas a little bit upset.
37:40But let's just show you a little bit of Nas's work.
37:42He's got a little two-on-one opportunity.
37:45Julius gives it up early.
37:46That little ball fake to the dunk.
37:49And then Mike Conley, a little extra effort.
37:51Has a three but says, you know what?
37:53Dante's in the corner.
37:54There it is.
37:59One of the stars for Minnesota the last four games without Anthony Edwards has been Bones.
38:03Highland.
38:04His given name is Nashawn.
38:05Nicknamed Bones due to his slender frame.
38:08His title was streetball legend Hot Sauce.
38:11He was drafted 26th overall in 2021 by Denver.
38:15Bounced around a little bit.
38:16But has seemingly found a home here in Minnesota.
38:19Had a great chat with him before the game.
38:21Came in so joy-filled and full of energy.
38:24You asked him about that joy.
38:26Where does it come from?
38:27He says, I'm grateful for my life.
38:28He reminded us that it was eight years ago today.
38:33He said, I lost my grandma and baby bro.
38:35And nearly lost my life.
38:37In a house fire.
38:39He was able to get out.
38:40Unfortunately, lost two family members.
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