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00:00This is ESPN on ABC.
00:29Proud, detonates on the Thunder.
00:32Ready, dribble, free throw line jumper, hold in, look out!
00:36Charlotte wants it for real.
00:38Murray, 53 big ones.
00:44Young stars shine.
00:46A slick finish up top from Thompson.
00:48Oh, this ace came right back.
00:51Castle drives in, and just took the life of Hendricks.
01:00Pistons, Timberwolves tonight on ABC, home of the finals.
01:05The 45-28 Minnesota Timberwolves.
01:08The 53-20 Detroit Pistons square off as we inch closer to April.
01:14Just two weeks left in the regular season.
01:16Starting lineups brought to you by Metro by T-Mobile.
01:20For the Minnesota Timberwolves, Terrence Shannon Jr.
01:24and Mike Conley will get the start with Anthony Edwards
01:27and Jaden McDaniels out due to injury.
01:32Duncan Robinson is back.
01:34He did not start last game, but he's healthy.
01:36Jenkins, Thompson, Harris, Duren, the other starters for the Pistons.
01:40And with more on the story of Danis Jenkins, here's Katie George.
01:44Well, Dave, since Kate Cunningham has been sidelined,
01:46the Pistons are 4-1 in part because of the great play
01:49of second-year guard Danis Jenkins.
01:51His play may come as a surprise to people outside the organization,
01:55but his teammates and coaches expected this.
01:58When you look at his young career,
01:59he played for four different schools in college.
02:01The last season, the most pivotal under Rick Pitino at St. John's.
02:05He went undrafted in 2024 and joined the Pistons G League team,
02:09being named to the all-rookie team his first season.
02:12JB Bickerstaff says Jenkins exudes confidence.
02:14He talks a whole lot of smack and is a natural-born leader.
02:18You need depth to win a title in this league.
02:21Well, Jenkins has proven Detroit's got it at the guard position, Dave.
02:23They said they knew it the end of last year when he was lighting up the G League
02:28and dominating in Summer League.
02:29They had something special.
02:31I don't know if anybody could have seen this,
02:33what he's been able to do without Kate Cunningham.
02:36The responsibility that he's been given to take control of this offense,
02:40and he has far exceeded, I think, expectations as a playmaker.
02:43You knew he could score.
02:44He's been a pretty consistent three-point shooter,
02:47but now the decision-making that he has on a possession-by-possession basis,
02:51so important and so valuable now to know that they've got a guy like this
02:56that could do the job he's called upon.
02:57One, two, one.
02:58You look at the last five games without the All-Stars,
03:01Cunningham and Edwards, for the respective teams.
03:04We will get you injury updates on both here throughout the afternoon.
03:14Just nine games left for both teams coming into today.
03:19Detroit will play six of those nine on the road, including today, as will Minnesota.
03:25Just two more home games for the Wolves after today.
03:30And here is Jenkins, who played only seven games a year ago.
03:34He played 63 and is starting his 14th game of the season here this afternoon.
03:40He gets deep in the lane but missed the shot.
03:43And Minnesota looking to run.
03:45DiVincenzo drives.
03:47Missed the layup.
03:49And here comes Thompson.
03:59Duncan Robinson putting it on the floor.
04:01Stops at the elbow.
04:02Nice defense and hustle by Shannon.
04:05He did that the other night in the overtime win.
04:07He only played two minutes the entire game.
04:09But they were the most important two minutes of the game and he was terrific.
04:13Yeah, fighting for real estate down there.
04:14That's one thing they love about him.
04:16He's a physical body.
04:17He does not mind contact.
04:18And you see him right there fighting to make sure that position was not established down there.
04:24So, shot clock at eight for Detroit.
04:32Jenkins off to Durin's screen.
04:34And the three, no good.
04:36Rebounded by Randall.
04:42Minnesota scored the final 15 points in overtime to overcome a 13 point deficit against Houston.
04:49They get it started here with a Go Bears slam.
04:52And that was a really hard show by Jalen Durin as Conley came off on that screen action and Go
04:57Bear found nobody in the lane.
05:01Go Bear has really picked up his game without Edwards as Harris gets the bounce for the Pistons.
05:05And a foul.
05:06A chance at a three point play.
05:09And I really like this decision right here.
05:12This little weave action.
05:13Look how early Mike Conley gives him the basketball because of how hard Jalen Durin showed on that screen.
05:20There's got to be better awareness on the baseline when Rudy Go Bear dies.
05:23Make him earn that at the rim.
05:26Foul was on Randall.
05:27So, Harris at the line looking to complete the three point play.
05:34Second stint for Harris with the Pistons.
05:37The last time they had the best record in the East this late in the season was 2007.
05:43They have not won a playoff series since 08.
05:46They made the postseason last year their first trips since 2019.
05:50And they played well.
05:51They lost to the Knicks in six games.
05:57Randall stops at the foul line.
05:59And the jumper is good.
06:01Chris Finch said needs to get back to more finesse, less bully ball.
06:06We'll see if that happens here today.
06:08That's a nice little one-on-one move there to go to this spin.
06:10He had an opportunity to operate in an iso in the middle of the floor.
06:14He loved that area of the floor.
06:17Jenkins misses.
06:17Now lobs and Durin.
06:19That thing goes high into the air.
06:21And they're going to say basket interference hanging on the rim by Durin.
06:30As that ball skyrocketed like it was shot out of a cannon.
06:43Wolves going with the Purple Rain Prince jerseys here today as
06:47D'Vincenzo misfires on the three.
06:49Better job defensively.
06:50That's how Duncan Robinson was in position.
06:52They ran the same action.
06:54Gobert did not have the dive because of Duncan Robinson's awareness.
06:57Good defense by D'Vincenzo.
06:59But how about Thompson among the league leaders in steals?
07:03With that great interception as Minnesota was looking to push tempo and get out and run.
07:08Mid post for Durin.
07:11Randall's got one foul already.
07:12Got to be careful.
07:13He blocks Durin.
07:14And out of there with it is Shannon.
07:17Lost the handle momentarily.
07:19Corner three.
07:20It's good for Mike Conley.
07:22And that's just all created by Shannon's speed.
07:25Once he got his hands on the basketball.
07:27He put the Jets on and found an open shooter in the strong side corner.
07:32Second straight game as Randall slips.
07:35And Harris hits a three.
07:36Second straight game that Mike Conley has played.
07:38He only played one game in March prior to that.
07:41But with Edwards out and Io DeSumo.
07:43Who's been a terrific addition.
07:45Brought over at the trade deadline.
07:47He's out again today.
07:48So Conley gets to start.
07:50He finds a cutting Gobert.
07:51And a foul on Durin.
07:53That's the first on the Pistons.
08:02That's good defense down low here by Julius Randall.
08:04He forces Jalen Durin to a situation where he's behind the backboard.
08:07So he's got no angle.
08:08I mean this is what I'm talking about.
08:10Shannon loses the ball a little bit.
08:11But he was so fast up the floor.
08:13He forced four defenders into the lane to try to contain him from getting a layup.
08:18Led to a wide open shot for Conley.
08:20And Gobert gets the first free throw.
08:24Gobert fouled out the other night of that Houston game.
08:27So they are without him.
08:28Without Edwards.
08:29Jaden McDaniels got hurt.
08:31Nas Reed got ejected in overtime.
08:33And they still won that ball game.
08:41Edwards already enjoying himself.
08:43Three minutes into the game.
08:44Six straight game he's missed with a right knee injury.
08:46But he's expected back soon.
08:48Foul called here on Durin.
08:50So that is two on Jalen Durin.
08:52In the first three minutes of the game.
08:53Jalen Durin.
08:54That's the second person to fire.
08:57You got to be a little bit more careful there.
08:58If you're Durin.
09:00He just moves that hip and shoulder a little bit.
09:03I think that's a pretty good call.
09:05Based on how they call screening action that far out from the basket.
09:08But if you're Jalen Durin.
09:10And you've already picked up one.
09:11You have to be more careful right there.
09:13And make sure you're not moving on that screen.
09:15You're too valuable.
09:16Particularly offensively without Kate Cunningham.
09:18That puts some pressure now on Paul Reed.
09:20Who has had some good moments this year for Detroit off the bench.
09:24He has been really a savior in a lot of ways.
09:27With all the time that Isaiah Stewart has missed.
09:29Between the suspension that he got for the fight.
09:32And then an injury on top of it.
09:33Paul Reed has been a blessing for J.B. Bickerstaff.
09:36Stewart has missed his last seven games and is out today.
09:41But they're also hoping he returns in the next few games.
09:45Shot clock down to six.
09:46Excellent half-court defense by Minnesota.
09:49Harris driving.
09:50And he floats it up and in off the window.
09:52Great start for Harris.
09:54He has all of Detroit's points.
09:56We don't say enough about Tobias Harris and the consummate professional that he is.
10:00He's been on a lot of good teams in his career.
10:03And he's just so steady and off to a great start today.
10:07Another misfire in the triple try from DiVincenzo.
10:14He's 0-3.
10:150-2 from behind the arc.
10:16Robinson drains a three-pointer on his first shot attempt of the game.
10:21That's Mike Conley there making a mistake.
10:23You can't go over the top with those flare screens on Duncan Robinson.
10:26You've got to get on his hip and chase him around and force him to put it down off that
10:30line.
10:31Randall attacks.
10:32Feeds underneath.
10:33Gobert at the slam.
10:34Gobert with the tail of Julius.
10:38By the way, that three by Robinson is 200th on the season.
10:41Fourth time in his career he's done that.
10:43Jenkins out of control.
10:45Wild shot, but he got it back.
10:47Paul Reed wide open underneath.
10:50Jenkins got it to him, but Gobert comes over.
10:52And a foul is called as Gobert went for the swat.
10:55They're going to say Shannon committed the personal.
10:59His first.
11:00And you talk about Duncan Robinson and the importance to this team offensively.
11:03Because they don't make or take a lot of threes.
11:05So he represents a big percentage of that.
11:07You see Mike Conley.
11:08He was indecisive whether he wanted to shoot the gap or trail on the hip.
11:12And when you're indecisive on a screen like that, you're going to end up in no man's land.
11:16You cannot give Duncan Robinson that kind of look on a pin down.
11:19One of the reasons they went out and got him from Miami.
11:23He played in 70 playoff games with the Heat.
11:26That's the most by an active piston.
11:30Well, look, this is what they're trying to accomplish this year.
11:33They're a one seed, so they should have expectations to try to win a championship.
11:36But when you look over the last 15 years, which is really the evolution of the three-point shot in
11:41this league,
11:42take a look at the NBA champions and where they ranked in terms of made three-point field goals.
11:46Only those four teams outside the top ten, certainly nobody as low as 28th in the league as Detroit is.
11:54That's how anemic their three-point shooting has been and really a testament to their defense and their rebounding
12:00and how they're the one seed in the East.
12:02So if you take out Cade Cunningham, who is number two on the team in made threes and obviously he's
12:08out,
12:08the next high man is Javonte Green.
12:11He's made just 78 as Shannon gets to the rim but blew the layup.
12:16Gobert got the offensive rim.
12:17I don't think the ball hit the rim though.
12:20And it's a shot clock violation.
12:24Detroit with the early two-point lead here in the Twin Cities.
12:29We're back in Minnesota where a fashionable Anthony Edwards is sidelined for the sixth straight game
12:33due to inflammation in his right knee and was cleared yesterday to resume on-court work.
12:38So his first real workout was today.
12:40Chris Finch said they have to see how he responds and feels after the workout, but there's a thought.
12:45We could see him return as early as Monday night.
12:47The Wolves are 4-1 so far in their absence, in his absence, Dave.
12:51He's had a great year, Katie.
12:53Career high in scoring and in three-point shooting.
12:55He's close to 30 points per game.
12:57They played Dallas Monday so there's a chance he's back.
13:01And as you look at the most points for players before turning age 25,
13:05he's right there with LeBron, Katie, and Doncic.
13:08Yeah, and this three-point shot that he's added over the last couple of seasons,
13:13such a go-to for him to step back in the elevation.
13:16But I like the fact this year he hasn't taken as many, and the balance is better, I think,
13:21between two-point shots, free throws, and three-pointers, which he relied so heavily upon a year ago.
13:27Jenkins hits the deck.
13:28He thought there should have been a foul on Highland.
13:30Meanwhile, they don't pay attention to Reid, but he misses a wide-open three in the corner.
13:36Pistons on the other end.
13:37They've made five of their last six.
13:39Reid, talk about displacing.
13:41Looked like that should have been an offensive foul.
13:43He just cleared out Julius Randle and gets the dunk.
13:49Lead is five for the Pistons.
13:55They got Highland and Reid off the bench with three other starters.
13:59The bench shortened with all the Minnesota injuries, not just Anthony Edwards.
14:03Jaden McDaniels with a knee issue.
14:06He did not play at the end of the game on Wednesday,
14:08but Crispin told us he's day-to-day, and so is Io DeSumo.
14:12Foul called on Jenkins.
14:14That is his first and the second on Detroit.
14:21Karis LeVert checking in along with Kevin Herter,
14:24who started the last game for the Pistons and had his best game since being acquired at the deadline from
14:30the Bulls.
14:30He had 22 points and hit four threes.
14:33And welcome sight for J.B. Bickerstaff because they do need additional shooting.
14:38Struggled this year for the most part from the three-point line.
14:41Herter played great the other night.
14:42Meanwhile, Reid with a bad miss.
14:44Now Randle with one on the shot clock gets fouled by Jenkins.
14:51He's had a rough start here.
14:53Jenkins just one of five from the floor and now two fouls.
14:57Jalen Duren has two fouls as well for the Pistons.
14:59Yeah, and both fouls.
15:00Really, unfortunately, the first was a hand check.
15:02You know, 35 feet from the basket on Bones Island.
15:05And then this one, he bites on that pump fake with the clock winding down.
15:10You've got to just stay vertical.
15:12Make sure you don't commit that second foul.
15:15You give up, first of all, three free throws at the end of a good defensive possession.
15:18And also now put yourself in some foul trouble.
15:21And giving up three free throws to a guy that's shooting 30% from three on the year.
15:28He is, though, a terrific free throw shooter, 81%.
15:36Time for our DraftKings Sportsbook, Player Pulse.
15:42Look at the numbers on the season for Randle and Duren.
15:46And the expectation both guys will get going here in Minnesota.
15:50We're still early.
15:51DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
15:53Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
15:59Gobert, the leading scorer for Minnesota so far with six.
16:05Randle makes all three free throws.
16:07He has five, eight for Harris and six for Paul Reed for Detroit
16:10as Jenkins takes his seat for those two fouls.
16:14Sasser checking in for the Pistons.
16:22Sasser was involved in a fight last year between these two teams.
16:26The last time they played it was here in Minnesota.
16:28Several players ejected.
16:29A couple of coaches ejected as well.
16:31Harris' three is good.
16:32And he's got 11.
16:36And he's just averaging 13 on the season.
16:38But he always plays efficiently throughout his entire career.
16:42He is feeling it right now.
16:44Shovel pass DeVincenzo.
16:46And Highland answers.
16:47Swishing home a triple.
16:52Bones Highland over the last five games averaging 18 points per game.
16:56Minnesota though falls asleep on defense.
16:59And Herter gets the easy two.
17:03Kyle Anderson running the point.
17:05Playing his 12th game with the Wolves.
17:07Signed earlier this month.
17:11Was here for a couple of years earlier in his career.
17:15As Reed deflects that.
17:18And actually no they're going to say he didn't get a piece of it.
17:20So it's a traveling violation.
17:21Yeah it didn't look to me like he touched it.
17:23He just lost the basketball.
17:24You can almost see it in his own reaction.
17:26When he retrieved the ball.
17:27He was kind of waiting for the whistle.
17:39Yeah Paul Reed never got near that.
17:45Second turnover by Minnesota.
17:48Reed off to a good start with Dern on the bench with two early fouls.
17:52Levert's three is a brick.
17:54And Randall secures the rebound.
18:03Ron Holland on the floor.
18:05He and Nas Reed were the two guys that got that fight started a year ago.
18:09Three pointer from the corner.
18:10Jalen Clark no good.
18:11That's not really his game.
18:12That is though.
18:13Hustling.
18:14Getting offensive rebounds.
18:15He's an excellent defensive player as well.
18:18Yeah he's primarily going to be out there.
18:20For defense and pressure.
18:22And trying to create opportunities.
18:24In transition for his team.
18:25That was really aware.
18:27To follow his own shot.
18:28And get that layup.
18:29That gets Minnesota within two.
18:30Three minute mark.
18:31Turn and fire.
18:32Three for Kevin Herter.
18:34He may have turned a corner here.
18:36With this team.
18:37His minutes have gone up.
18:38Here over the last ten games or so.
18:40And now he's starting to find that shooting stroke.
18:47Reed defended by Levert.
18:49With a shot clock down to seven.
18:50Great spin.
18:51And finished by Nas Reed with the roll.
18:59First field goal for Nas Reed.
19:02Again.
19:03A six man of the year candidate.
19:09Holland matched up with Reed.
19:11Shot clock at eight for the Pistons.
19:14Levert driving and Anderson.
19:16Anderson with a good contest.
19:18But better offense that time.
19:19Great shot by Levert.
19:20Yeah.
19:21It's really good defense all the way around.
19:23And even a well-timed contest.
19:24By Anderson.
19:25But Karis Traversa got his average twenty points.
19:27In a season before in this league.
19:29So he is a scorer.
19:30Just hasn't had as many opportunities here in Detroit.
19:32Randall misses it inside.
19:34Gets tangled up with Reed.
19:35As he jocks back down the court.
19:37Herter on a sidestep three.
19:39Front rimmed it.
19:40Rebound Reed.
19:41Nice cut Herter.
19:42And he lays it home with the left hand.
19:45Yeah.
19:45That's just Karl Anderson.
19:47Not really boxing out on that first shot.
19:50He relaxed.
19:51Thinking they were going to come up with the ball.
19:53And Herter just back cut him.
19:55Herter's got seven off the bench.
19:58Fifteen of the thirty-one Detroit points have come from the reserves here in the first quarter.
20:03Reed.
20:04Lost the handle momentarily.
20:06Now gets stripped by Holland.
20:08This second unit for the Pistons playing great ball.
20:12Holland couldn't handle that pass though.
20:18Holland not a big threat from the perimeter.
20:21Only a twenty-two percent three-point shooter.
20:25Here comes Herter.
20:26He is for sure a threat.
20:29But that one's off the back rim.
20:34Seven-point lead in the final minute of the opening quarter for Detroit here in Minnesota.
20:39Highland deep three.
20:40No good.
20:45Sasser being chased from behind.
20:46And Clark pokes it away out of bounds.
20:49It'll be Detroit ball when we come back.
20:51Well, Kevin Herter is certainly an important piece for the Detroit Pistons.
20:56As they need to add his shooting to their offense.
20:59But he's more than that.
21:00Smart player.
21:02Aware.
21:02Gets rewarded for the cut.
21:14They pass Tim Legler, Katie George back in Minnesota.
21:17Where the Detroit Pistons, owners of the best record in the Eastern Conference, lead the Minnesota Timberwolves.
21:22Thirty-one to twenty-four.
21:27Tobias Harris four-four from the field.
21:29He's got eleven points.
21:31Seven off the bench for Herter.
21:33As the Pistons play their sixth straight game without Cade Cunningham.
21:39Out with a collapsed lung.
21:43Suffered ten days ago.
21:45Shot clock down to five.
21:46LeVert on the pull-up jumper.
21:47Gets it.
21:49Yeah, it's a rhythm shot for him.
21:51And he goes so hard on that closeout defender.
21:56He immediately gets into that stop.
21:58And there's no way a defender can react to the drive and also stop in time to contest that shot.
22:04About a seven-second difference in the game and shot clocks here at the end of the quarter.
22:08Anderson spinning in the lane.
22:10Kicks it out.
22:11Highland swing to Clark.
22:12Two to shoot.
22:13Clark gives it up and it's intercepted by LeVert.
22:16Three seconds to go in the quarter.
22:18And Reid with a pick for the Wolves.
22:21And the first quarter comes to an end.
22:25Detroit puts up 33 in the first quarter behind 11 from Tobias Harris.
22:32Gobert with six to pace Minnesota.
22:44Primetime on ABC.
22:45Presented by Wingstop.
22:46We're on the sidelines with Tobias Harris.
22:48Tobias, you're off to a great, efficient start.
22:50What do you like about the shots you guys are creating right now?
22:52We're just moving the basketball.
22:54Letting our defense feel our offense.
22:56Each guy pulling for one another out there.
22:58We've got great energy.
22:59Great start to the game.
23:00We've got to keep it up.
23:00There are a couple of quick, early fouls for you guys.
23:03What did you think of the defensive execution to start?
23:06It was solid for us, obviously.
23:08Gave up a little bit too many offensive rebounds for them,
23:10so just got to stay scrappy, stick to our principles and our system.
23:14Thanks, Tobias.
23:14Dave?
23:15Jalen Dern, who had two fouls.
23:18He was talking about the early fouls.
23:19He only played three minutes in that first quarter.
23:21That's his first basket of the game.
23:23So without him and without Cunningham, basically,
23:26they're two best players in that first quarter.
23:28They still put up 33.
23:30And Dave Jenkins goes out with two fouls as well,
23:32who's been their next best offensive player here recently without Cunningham.
23:37So the Pistons did a great job of making up for their absence
23:40with other guys stepping up in a big way.
23:42Harris, Herter, LeVert, all three guys.
23:47Herter had seven points off the bench.
23:49Anderson can't get that one to go.
23:52Gobert tried to get the offensive rebound but could not.
23:5611-point lead for Detroit.
23:59Herter driving.
24:00And that was a tough pass right at the feet of Durant.
24:03Long outlet to Reid.
24:05The Euro step.
24:07Missed the bank.
24:08Gobert, offensive rebound.
24:10And then gets tangled up with LeVert, who's called for the foul.
24:15That's his first and the first on Detroit here in the quarter.
24:20Rudy Gobert again on the offensive glass.
24:22And he's in a stretch right now where he is just destroying teams with second chance opportunities.
24:3032 offensive rebounds in his last five games.
24:33And he does it again right there, earning the Wolves an extra possession.
24:36He's also averaging 15 points per game the last five games that Anthony Edwards has not played in.
24:42Another piston foul.
24:43This on Holland.
24:44So two quick ones against Detroit.
24:47Meanwhile, Minnesota's missed six straight shots.
24:49Just 35% shooting.
24:51While Detroit shooting 61%.
25:00Anderson on the face-up.
25:02Drives on Herter.
25:04Doubled.
25:04So he kicks it out.
25:05Reid three is up.
25:06No good.
25:09Reid 0 for 3 from behind the arc to start the game.
25:11Yeah, Nas Reid only 27% from out there in his last 20 games.
25:15That's been a big part of his offense over the last couple of years.
25:20And right now really struggling to find his rhythm from out there.
25:24Javonte greens three off the side of the rim.
25:27And out of bounds to the Wolves.
25:41Minnesota currently fifth in the West.
25:44Tied for fourth in the loss column.
25:46If you finish in the top four, you get home court advantage in the first round.
25:50And they lose the tiebreaker with Denver.
25:52So every game down the stretch, very important for the Wolves.
25:56Turnover by Hyland.
25:58Hyland is still down on the other end for Detroit.
26:00So they're going four and five.
26:02But somehow Herter's left alone.
26:03He missed the shot during offensive rebound.
26:06You got two Pistons and four Wolves around the basket in Detroit.
26:10The team getting the offensive rebound.
26:12And then a foul is called on Gobert.
26:14That was sensational defensive effort by Ron Holland on Bones Highland.
26:19You know, you talk about being able to pick up guys that far out of the basketball court
26:24and slide your feet around screens.
26:26And to slide and be active with your hands.
26:29That's a very difficult thing to do.
26:31But you see how he used the baseline as a second defender and continued to rake at the basketball
26:37that triggered this early offense opportunity.
26:39Take a look at the upcoming national TV schedule on NBA TV tonight.
26:44Phoenix hosting Utah tomorrow on NBA TV.
26:47It's the Clippers at the Bucs.
26:48An NBC Peacock doubleheader.
26:51Knicks, Oklahoma City.
26:52Golden State at Denver.
26:54For more, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
26:57Oklahoma City still has the best record in the league.
27:00But the lead over San Antonio for that mark is down to two games in the lost column.
27:06With two weeks to go in the regular season.
27:11So no baskets for Minnesota in the last five minutes.
27:14And they trail by 13 here at home.
27:18Anderson driving.
27:19Nice speed.
27:20Gobert with the slam.
27:21That's patient by Anderson.
27:23And that's exactly what you have to do with Rudy Gobert.
27:26He's going to continue to find those little pockets around the rim.
27:29So if you can hit him late, once you get Dern to commit, Rudy Gobert is going to finish that
27:33up.
27:34Another great backdoor cut.
27:36DiVincenzo breaks up the pass.
27:38Traveling violation on the Pistons.
27:40And this is just great patience on the part of Anderson.
27:43As he turns the corner here, he's just waiting and waiting for Dern to fully commit.
27:47And once he does that, he knows that he can wrap this pass around.
27:51And if LaVert had stayed there, it wouldn't be.
27:53But he watches LaVert go back to the corner.
27:56Patience.
27:57Very key.
27:58When you penetrate, you've got a guy like Gobert.
28:00It's that big of a target at the rim.
28:02Chris Finch told us before the game, the Wolves head coach, what a connector Kyle Anderson is.
28:06So mature.
28:09Made a great play to double Kevin Durant late in that win over Houston to deny him the ball.
28:15Steven Tenzo misses another three.
28:17He's 0 for 3.
28:18The Wolves are 3 for 12 as a team from behind the arc.
28:23Herder got caught in the air but is able to hit LaVert.
28:26Now Holland puts up the rainbow triple that's not close.
28:29Anderson rebounds.
28:32Detroit gets back though defensively.
28:39Shannon breaking down the D.
28:41Gobert puts it home and Gobert has got 10 points.
28:44Yeah, Gobert just really active right now.
28:46He's going to lurk on the baseline and then just trying to time out, time up when it's his turn
28:50to cut so he can present an open passing lane to his teammate.
28:57Anderson knocks it out of bounds, Detroit ball.
28:59I got out, I got out, I got out.
29:00Again, it's just hard penetration by Shannon and you get Durant a little bit out of position because he's helping
29:05on the penetration right there.
29:07He's frozen and now Gobert smartly goes behind him and Durant lies there to get out of the way and
29:12not pick up that third foul.
29:21LeVert trying to drive on Dave Vincenzo and excellent defense.
29:26Turner on jump shot drops for Karis LeVert.
29:31He's got 619 bench points for Detroit.
29:35Randall back on the floor.
29:37They need him.
29:40Off to a slow start again today.
29:42Conley's three, no good.
29:44Rebound, Holland.
29:49Loose ball as Holland lost it out of bounds.
29:53It'll be Minnesota ball.
29:57Karis LeVert, just a really good one-on-one player.
30:00Dave Vincenzo cut him off a couple of times, but eventually it's one move too many.
30:05Creates space and nothing Dave Vincenzo could do.
30:08LeVert's first year with the Pistons, ninth in the NBA.
30:11This is his fifth team.
30:14Randall's got Javonte Green, a smaller defender on his hip.
30:19And this will be a defensive three-second violation, so a one-shot technical situation.
30:27J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the year runner-up to Kenny Atkinson last year and in the mix again this
30:32year.
30:33Last year they won 44 games after 14 the year before and now they got a shot at 60 wins.
30:40That hasn't happened in 20 years when Detroit was in that midst of six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
30:46They won 64 games that season, so they need to win seven of their last nine to get to 60
30:52wins this year.
30:52You think about what he's done since he's gotten here to establish an identity with tough defense and reversing a
30:58culture,
30:59creating a winning mentality and confidence.
31:01Really incredible story of what J.B. Bickerstaff has done here, but he is upset right now.
31:07Well, they call a foul on Gobert, so that is his second.
31:11Chris Finch is arguing the call with Josh Tiven.
31:20A little bit of movement there.
31:21It's similar actually to the screen that Durant set earlier in the game.
31:25It's pretty solid for the most part, just a little bit of leaning with that shoulder.
31:30And then, in both cases, defenders selling it.
31:33Holland scores and a foul.
31:35A three-point chance for Ron Holland II.
31:39His first point to the game.
31:44Nice job right here.
31:46They run this little split action, and if you don't communicate that perfectly, this is what happens.
31:50You see right there, you can see Shannon didn't know if they were switching that or not.
31:55So Holland, after the screen, that's what you're taught.
31:57Holland dives straight to the rim.
31:58Beautiful find that time by Durant.
32:03Second foul on Shannon.
32:04You know, like we're talking about Coach of the Year candidates.
32:08We've got J.B. Bickerstaff, of course.
32:10Joe Mazzula and the job that he's done in Boston.
32:13Mitch Johnson in San Antonio.
32:16Mark Dagnall in the mix again, considering no Jalen Williams for most of the year,
32:20and they still have the best record in the league.
32:22And one other guy I'll mention is Jordan Ott, who's done an incredible job in Phoenix.
32:25They were right there.
32:26They're still going to be a playoff team, but had some injuries sort of slowed them down.
32:30But you're right.
32:31Some great young coaches in this league right now, and some guys that have been around a while,
32:36also in the mix for that award.
32:39D'Vincenzo, meanwhile, with his first points of the game.
32:42Minnesota backlit in 10.
32:43They're in the midway point of the second quarter.
32:45On the step back, Holland gets rid of D'Vincenzo, but he can't make the deep shot.
32:51Randall, five rebounds, five points, just one field goal.
32:56Finds D'Vincenzo for a corner three.
32:58Hit it!
32:59Five quick ones for Dante D'Vincenzo.
33:02Timeout Detroit.
33:12Well, you see Minnesota cut into this lead, and Dante D'Vincenzo has had a part in it.
33:18This is just a great read.
33:19Once he sees Holland get a little bit too high above the foul line, he knows he's going
33:23to go in a dead sprint to the corner.
33:25It is not easy to get open against Holland.
33:28He's so quick.
33:29He's got great reach, so you've got to make sure you move to your spot quickly
33:33and then be ready to let it fly immediately on the closeout.
33:37D'Vincenzo has actually the last six points, including that one-shot technical,
33:42as Minnesota's backlit in seven.
33:43Robinson is fouled on the shot attempt.
33:48It's going to be three free throws for Duncan Robinson.
33:53Mike Conley commits the foul.
33:58Fans just saw a replay.
33:59They didn't like it.
34:01Usually don't see the veteran 19-year pro make that kind of mistake fouling a three-point shooter.
34:14Stream like your courtside with NBA League Pass.
34:17Watch live games and highlights from the best seat in the house.
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34:25Regular season ends two weeks from tomorrow.
34:28Robinson misses a free throw.
34:30He's actually 76% on the season.
34:34Normally a guy that shoots it as well as he does, you'd think you can speak to this.
34:39Mid-80s.
34:4090, right?
34:41Mid-80s.
34:42I was always upset I wasn't over 90.
34:44You know what it is though sometimes?
34:45You don't go that often.
34:47So you might go a long time as a shooter between free throw attempts.
34:51Could throw you off a little bit.
34:54Love how you're always sticking up for the shooters.
34:56Of course.
34:56I always have their back.
34:59Thompson had the steal then lost the ball.
35:01Conley finds Dave Vincenzo.
35:04And he hits another three.
35:05Dante Dave Vincenzo catching fire and bringing the Wolves back within six.
35:10He is just so combustible man.
35:12When he gets going, he is going to hunt shots and let it fly as soon as he touched it.
35:17Reminiscent of that great run he had with the Knicks.
35:23Here's Tobias Harris back on the floor.
35:25He had 11 points in the first quarter.
35:27And he turns it over trying the wraparound pass to Asar Thompson.
35:31It's a tight window over here in this corner.
35:33You take a look.
35:34Jenkins is right there.
35:35Gets off the ground.
35:37That's almost hand on hand.
35:38But when you've just hit one from a certain spot and you're fortunate enough to get another look that quickly,
35:44it's going to be a good result.
35:49Dave Vincenzo is on the weak side of the play, but Randle gets it to him.
35:52He'll hoist another one.
35:54And that time it's no good, but Shannon offensive rebound.
36:00And a foul on Thompson.
36:03That is the third team foul on the first on Asar Thompson.
36:12When you mentioned Dante Dave Vincenzo two years ago with the Knicks,
36:15he had 283 threes that year.
36:17It's the best year of his career.
36:19Then he's traded along with Julius Randle.
36:21It took time for both those guys to adjust to just the reality of no longer being with the Knicks.
36:27Yet they still found a way to make it to the conference finals for the second straight year.
36:32Both guys much more comfortable this season in a Timberwolves uniform.
36:37Randle misses.
36:38He's struggling one for five from the floor, but a foul inside on Detroit.
36:44And it's going to be on Robinson.
36:56The shove there at the end, although both guys were...
36:59Yeah, I mean, they really could have possibly called that initially on Shannon when he first started his move toward
37:06the rim.
37:07He created that contact with Duncan Robinson.
37:09They didn't see that part, but clearly Robinson shoved him on the tail end of that.
37:13Fourth team foul.
37:14Shot clock at 10.
37:15Randle, quick pass off the fingertips of Gobert.
37:22Here's Jalen Durant.
37:24Most improved player award candidate.
37:27An all-star for the first time.
37:29Likely all NBA as well.
37:31Robinson driving.
37:32And he missed the shot.
37:34Thompson's tip.
37:34No, Gobert trying to control.
37:36That's all it does.
37:37Randle on the other end.
37:39Find Steven Chenzo underneath for a layup.
37:44Well, that was great work on both ends.
37:47First the defense by Shannon on Robinson.
37:50Just a lot of one-two.
37:51And then a beautiful delivery by Randle on the other end.
37:54Harris is three.
37:55Way short.
37:56Tries to save it.
37:57Out of bounds to Minnesota.
37:58A 10-2 run and the Wolves have the ball again.
38:01This is just great effort on the part of Shannon.
38:03And forcing Robinson to put it on the floor.
38:05And make a difficult shot at the rim.
38:07And then I love this.
38:08And he freezes Harris with his eyes.
38:10And waits for Steven Chenzo to cut behind.
38:14Shannon corner three.
38:15Around and out.
38:17Kept alive by Gobert.
38:19And Jenkins has it for Detroit.
38:21So Steven Chenzo scored the last 11.
38:23But didn't get a touch on that possession.
38:25And now Conley commits a foul on the other end.
38:27That is two on him.
38:29And four on Minnesota.
38:34Four minutes to play here in the second quarter.
38:37Low scoring game between the Wolves and Pistons.
38:42Detroit number two defensive rating on the season.
38:45Minnesota number six.
38:47Good defense on display there.
38:48Meanwhile, Shannon slides down to the deck.
38:50Gets back up.
38:54Randle's got three assists.
38:56Looking for number four.
38:57Steven Chenzo missed the three.
38:59Long rebound.
39:00Randle gets to it.
39:02And then Harris intercepts that corner pass attempt.
39:07Robinson.
39:08Short pop.
39:09And gets the bounce.
39:10I almost felt like Randle was too unselfish on that last play.
39:13Running down the offensive rebound.
39:14I thought he had a shot opportunity right in the paint.
39:17Instead turns it over.
39:18And the Pistons turned it into two points.
39:24Shot clock inside at 10.
39:26Nearing three minutes to go here in the half.
39:28Bully ball.
39:29Randle against Harris.
39:30Steven Chenzo.
39:31Wide open.
39:32No good.
39:35A little cold streak here for Steven Chenzo.
39:37And you look up.
39:38And he's two for eight from three.
39:39Robinson.
39:40Front rim.
39:41No.
39:41Gobert.
39:42Gets the rebound.
39:44And a timeout.
39:45With 2.56 to go.
39:47It's a six point game here in Minnesota.
39:57It takes center stage.
39:59Two elite eight matchups.
40:01With Sarah Strong and top seeded UConn taking on Notre Dame at one.
40:05Followed by Lauren Betts in UCLA against Duke.
40:08After Jackson hit the game winning three at the buzzer to beat LSU.
40:12How about Hannah Hidalgo?
40:13Almost had a quadruple double.
40:16You had how many of those in your career legs?
40:19None.
40:19I was more interested in a uni double.
40:21Which was just give me 10 points.
40:23And I did my job for the night.
40:27Maya Moore won a championship here with the Lynx.
40:30And then of course at Connecticut.
40:32You're talking during the break.
40:34But Alvin Robertson had a quadruple double.
40:36Most unlikely one of all.
40:37Because typically you're looking for a big guy to get those 10 blocks.
40:40And Alvin Robertson has a guard at 10 steals in a game.
40:45Meanwhile Randall.
40:47Who already has 7.7 rebounds and 3 assists.
40:51Brings Minnesota within 4.
40:53Just his second field goal though.
40:55Here's Jenkins who's just 1 of 6 from the floor.
40:58He'll fire a 3.
40:59And it's no good.
41:03Nearing 2 minutes to play in the first half.
41:06Detroit led by as many as 13.
41:08Randall downhill.
41:08Stripped by Reed.
41:10Out of bounds.
41:11It will stay here with Minnesota.
41:14Jalen Clark back in for the Wolves.
41:16Playing without Anthony Edwards.
41:18Without Jaden McDaniels.
41:19And without Io DeSumo.
41:21Both McDaniels and DeSumo are day to day.
41:23As Katie George reported earlier.
41:26Anthony Edwards getting closer.
41:27Could he play Monday against Dallas?
41:29We'll see.
41:30Here's Nas Reed looking for his first basket.
41:33And he doesn't get it there.
41:36First basket from behind the arc.
41:38He had a 2 pointer earlier in the game.
41:40He's 0 for 4 from 3.
41:41And then Detroit turns it over for the 9th time.
41:46Amazingly they have committed 9 turnovers.
41:48And they have not given up a single point off of any of those.
41:51So you can have a high volume of turnovers.
41:55If you're not getting scored upon the other way.
41:57It allows you to do what they've done.
41:59Which is stay in the lead.
42:00Very rare to see that.
42:07Here's Reed.
42:09Gets it back.
42:11Has the smaller Jenkins defending.
42:13Good help from Paul Reed.
42:14And he gets the strip and steal.
42:20Pistons just 21% shooting from the floor.
42:23Here in the second quarter.
42:25And they've got 7 turnovers in this quarter now.
42:30If just 4 baskets in the quarter.
42:33Yet they still have the lead.
42:34But it's down to 4.
42:35Reed driving.
42:36And there's that sweeping.
42:39Hook shot that won't fall.
42:41And then a foul on Carter for Minnesota.
42:44That will send Reed to the line.
42:46Coming up on the trim fire halftime.
42:48With Malika.
42:49Coach Malone.
42:50Windy and Perk.
42:51The Spurs do it again.
42:52Eight straight wins for San Antonio.
42:55It's coming up on trim fire halftime.
42:58Wemby making a late push for MVP.
43:00As is Luka Doncic.
43:02But Shea Gilgis Alexander continues to play well.
43:05And Oklahoma City still with the best record in the league.
43:08Yeah, that's going to be a really interesting MVP race.
43:10Particularly with how well the Lakers have played.
43:15And obviously Luka during that stretch.
43:17The numbers he's been putting up.
43:19And efficiently.
43:20He's on a 2 month stretch now.
43:22Where he's over 40% from the 3 point line.
43:24And as many as he takes.
43:26It's such a deadly weapon for him.
43:28I think a big part of the efficiency for the Lakers offensively.
43:31And has made that MVP race a lot more interesting.
43:34Cade Cunningham for a long time was in the MVP race.
43:37Now we don't even know if he'll qualify for any of the awards.
43:41He's played 61 games.
43:42He would need to play 4 more.
43:44He's out with that collapsed lung.
43:46It seems unlikely that he'll be back in the next week to 10 days.
43:51And again the regular season ends in 15 days.
43:54Randall misses a 3.
43:55Clark tracks down the rebound.
43:57Highland 3.
43:58No good.
43:59Bat it out.
44:00Pinballs.
44:01And Reed has it.
44:02Now going to run the floor.
44:03Lobs down court.
44:04And boy if you just throw that anywhere high in the air.
44:07You know Thompson's going to go up and slam it.
44:09But he underthrew him.
44:11Clark's spot up 3 is not close.
44:16Clark driving.
44:17And a foul on Detroit.
44:20That's some frenetic action.
44:21With very little result coming out of that.
44:24And really a testament to how hard teams are playing.
44:26But you're right.
44:27Paul Reed.
44:28And that's what you get when you have your center handle the ball in the middle of the floor.
44:32Trying to throw that lob.
44:34Just not going to get there from that distance.
44:37So both teams fighting are here over the last minute or so.
44:41Finally.
44:41There's a point on the board.
44:43We've got hockey after the game here on ABC.
44:46Trevor Zegris and the Flyers taking on the Red Wings in Detroit.
44:52Coverage starts at 8 Eastern.
44:53Like everything else it's also available on the ESPN app.
44:57Like the NBA.
44:58The regular season in the NHL.
45:00Winding down as we get closer to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
45:04Asar Thompson going at the chest of Anderson.
45:07Fumbles it to Reed.
45:08Who misses the shot but gets it back.
45:10And then he floats it in from about 6 feet.
45:15Lead back to 7 now for the Pistons.
45:18And a 6 second difference in the game in shot clocks here at the end of the first half.
45:25On the switch.
45:26Robinson's got Randall.
45:27Now Reed gets him back.
45:29Randall spinning.
45:30Got deep on him.
45:31Lost the handle.
45:33Shot clock at 3.
45:34Game clock at 8.
45:35Kyle Anderson in the lane with 1.
45:37Gets it away in time.
45:38And he scores.
45:43And now a delay of game warning on Minnesota.
45:46As Duncan Robinson wanted to get the ball inbound quickly.
45:49With 4.5 seconds to go in the half.
45:52Here's Thompson with 3.
45:54Racing into the front court in a heartbeat.
45:56Now corner 3.
45:57Harris at the buzzer.
45:58No good.
46:01So both teams shot it poorly from 3.
46:06And it's a 5 point game Detroit in front at halftime.
46:11Stay tuned for the halftime presented by Trumfaya after these messages.
46:30The Detroit Pistons had more turnovers than baskets and no threes in that second quarter.
46:35Yet they're only outscored by 4 in that second quarter and lead by 5.
46:39Our first half stats brought to you by Taco Bell.
46:42You see the poor 3 point shooting for both teams.
46:44We talked about the turnovers.
46:46But the big difference points off of those turnovers for Detroit.
46:50And plus 15 from the reserves.
46:52They passed Tim Legler alongside Katie George.
46:55The depth of Detroit legs on full display.
46:57It's a big reason why the Pistons are right now the number one seed in the East.
47:00Well you look at this first half with the slow starts by Durin and Jenkins.
47:04The bench came in 25 points on over 50% shooting.
47:08And Kevin Herter was a big part of that with his activity.
47:11Great job right here.
47:12Reading that he's being trailed.
47:13Knows he can just turn the corner.
47:14Take it all the way to the rim for an easy one.
47:17Here takes advantage of Jalen Clark.
47:18Turning his head.
47:20Relocates.
47:20Knocks down a 3.
47:21Once you've hit a couple of shots, rim gets a little bit bigger.
47:24Now you can take this pull up and transition.
47:27When it doesn't go though, he doesn't quit on the play.
47:29He sees an opportunity to make this cut off the offensive rebound and converts.
47:34The bench for the Detroit Pistons was the story offensively in that first half.
47:39Yeah, Reid had 10 points when Jalen Durin was in foul trouble.
47:42You already talked about the importance of the acquisition of Herter.
47:46Here's Katie.
47:47Well, Dave, Tim, J.D. Bickerstaff told us this team has buy-in and understands who they are
47:52and the fact that guys are able to go out and do more without trying to do too much.
47:57Stay under.
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