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00:00:00Google, with Western Conference semifinal coverage on Prime, presented by State Farm, the two seed, San Antonio Spurs, the number
00:00:11six seed, Minnesota Timberwolves.
00:00:13Spurs got by the Blazers in round one, Minnesota in six over the Denver Nuggets.
00:00:20So San Antonio comes in, having won 133-95 in game two.
00:00:40And we welcome those of you watching the Knicks and the 76ers, Kevin Harland in Minneapolis, NBA playoffs presented by
00:00:48Google.
00:00:49It's the semifinals, and it's game three in a series tied 1-1.
00:00:53It's the San Antonio Spurs on the road for the first time, taking on the Timberwolves.
00:00:59The Timberwolves losing game two after winning game one.
00:01:03But boy, the way they lost game two, losing Dwayne Wade by 38 points, was significant.
00:01:10So San Antonio with the centerpiece, Victor Wembenyama.
00:01:14Who are you going to be watching early on for the Spurs?
00:01:17Well, I'm going to be watching the guards.
00:01:18I'm a guard, so I'm going to keep my eye on De'Aaron Fox.
00:01:22I think the way he starts games for this team, if he's attacking, if he's getting downhill,
00:01:27he opens up opportunities and he opens up the game for everyone, Candace.
00:01:33And for the Timberwolves, there's a look, and they are going to start.
00:01:37Anthony Edwards, even with bum knees on both sides, not 100%.
00:01:42In fact, the coach told us, Candace, he's at about 60%.
00:01:45Ant Edwards did not start in the first two games, first start tonight.
00:01:50We'll see.
00:01:51First game, he let the game come to him.
00:01:53Game two, he was a little bit more aggressive, but you could see he didn't have it.
00:01:57We'll see his mentality start in this game because the Timberwolves need their man on the floor.
00:02:04The winner of game three in an NBA playoff series goes on to win the series 73% of the
00:02:13time.
00:02:14That's a big number.
00:02:15Our officials tonight, the crew chief is Tony Brothers.
00:02:1932nd season, this will be his 224th playoff game.
00:02:23The referee, Tyler Ford, 11th season, and Jason Goebel, the umpire, alternate Eric Dalen,
00:02:30and in the replay center, Brian Forte.
00:02:34In the regular season, Minnesota beats San Antonio two games to one.
00:02:40And right off the tap, it goes to the Spurs, and here they come.
00:02:44They shot 50% playing in that game two.
00:02:47They were terrific, and they controlled the turnover story.
00:02:51They get in the paint right here, Vassell, and then put in with Victor Wimbenyama.
00:02:56Well, they are starting right where they started off in game two.
00:02:59Wimby scoring the first four points in game two.
00:03:02That nice little behind the bat, like we cannot take that for granted what this guy is doing.
00:03:07Not at all, man.
00:03:08San Antonio, I just want to see if they can stay disciplined inside of their aggression, right?
00:03:12Can they continue to play downhill?
00:03:14Can they continue to push or make some misses before our Minnesota defense gets set?
00:03:19Fox deflects it out of bounds.
00:03:21Shot clock is at six.
00:03:23And the sixth-year head coach of the Timberwolves is Chris Finch.
00:03:27He's taken this team to the Western Conference Finals two consecutive seasons.
00:03:33A turnover.
00:03:34Fox on the lead over McDaniels, who rejects the shot.
00:03:37And right there, Minnesota relying heavily on Jaden McDaniels.
00:03:42Known for his defense and making plays like that, but offensively, and Coach Finch said
00:03:49that they have to get back in transition defense.
00:03:51Jaden McDaniels got in foul trouble in both games, getting back by himself.
00:03:57It's Kessel and Wimby Nyama.
00:04:00Up high and a great assist.
00:04:03And two times, Wimby Nyama has had outstanding position.
00:04:06Well, Coach Mitch Johnson talked about one thing that's a little underrated from Wimby is his screening angle.
00:04:12I think a lot of people look at a big come to set a screen, but it's the angle they
00:04:16set screens at,
00:04:17which allows for them to be able to roll and get to the basket.
00:04:20Wimby.
00:04:22Blosses at the top of the ring.
00:04:24Wimby Nyama had 12 blocks in game one, a couple in game two.
00:04:29Led the league in that category.
00:04:31Here he goes.
00:04:32And his fellow Frenchman, Gobert, up and off with a rebound by McDaniels.
00:04:37And Wimby has had, can we call it issues as Ant Edwards gets to the free throw line?
00:04:45But Wimby playing against a fellow Frenchman in Rudy Gobert.
00:04:49Rudy Gobert has had to defend Jokic in one possession, and then you see Wimby getting that block.
00:04:58But back to what you're talking about in terms of Rudy Gobert, taking the defensive challenge
00:05:03of Vardy, one of two of the best centers in the league back-to-back.
00:05:07So Wimby Nyama has now got 28 blocks in a little over four games.
00:05:12He's on a record pace.
00:05:13He just picked up his first personal foul.
00:05:17And Dwayne Wade, I'm looking at Anthony Edwards, and they compare him so often to you.
00:05:21You know what those knees are like.
00:05:23They are not close to being right.
00:05:25Yeah.
00:05:25How will he make it through this game?
00:05:27Well, what is mine?
00:05:28He's a very smart player.
00:05:29He has to be able to make the adjustments on the fly with what the defense is throwing
00:05:35at him.
00:05:35You know, just even talking about him coming across half-court, knowing they're going to
00:05:39trap him, now moving to the middle of the floor and not allowing himself to be on the
00:05:43sideline.
00:05:45Castle up top.
00:05:46Let's free to fire.
00:05:47The 3-0 good.
00:05:49Rebound corralled by Mike Conley.
00:05:52And back to Edwards.
00:05:54In the regular season, the third leading scorer in the NBA.
00:05:57Yeah, but he has struggled here.
00:05:59He lands funny there.
00:06:00He is shoved by Champagne, who picks up the Spurs foul.
00:06:04Well, we know that the Spurs are going to put two on the ball.
00:06:07They are going to put two on the ball anytime Ant Edwards comes off.
00:06:11Let's see the adjustments that he makes.
00:06:15And there's a turnover.
00:06:16You just saw a second-year San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson.
00:06:20He is coaching as a head coach in the playoffs for the first time.
00:06:25And the experience difference between these two teams has been one of the storylines so
00:06:31far.
00:06:31Wembenyama up top.
00:06:33He'll set up and over Gobert, who has done a good job in defending the outside shooting
00:06:40of Wembenyama.
00:06:41For Minnesota, here comes McDaniels.
00:06:44The cutting Randle.
00:06:46And in to Gobert.
00:06:47And back to Randle.
00:06:49And tap Wembenyama.
00:06:50Well, you see the impact of Wembenyama on that play, deterring shots, making shots difficult.
00:06:55And then on the other end, getting an and win and going to his bench to get some love.
00:07:02What an individual start.
00:07:04Wembenyama.
00:07:05He's blocked two shots.
00:07:06He's scored four.
00:07:08He's all over the place on both ends of the floor.
00:07:11Well, that's what you love about Wembenyama.
00:07:13He can do so many different things on the floor.
00:07:15But his ability to be able to protect the basket on one end, get a rebound, push it up the
00:07:19floor.
00:07:20And get down the court and either score himself or allow his teammates to be able to get opportunities.
00:07:25That's something that's so small but so important.
00:07:28McDaniels just picked up his first personal foul.
00:07:30And that is a story.
00:07:31Him getting in foul problems has been a real problem for Minnesota.
00:07:36Yeah, Candace, you talked about it.
00:07:38You know, obviously, he played 19 minutes last game.
00:07:41And as Coach Finch said, it's one of the best 19 minutes that was played of anybody that's
00:07:45on the Minnesota team.
00:07:46But they need him on the floor.
00:07:48They need him to be a little smarter on the defensive end of the floor.
00:07:51Here comes Fox behind the bag in a congested lane.
00:07:55It's picked up and put in.
00:07:58And Devin Vassell will put it through his first two tonight.
00:08:02And right here, the questions are, can Minnesota match the physicality of the Spurs?
00:08:08Thus far, the Spurs have imposed their will early in this game.
00:08:12Minnesota with another miss.
00:08:16And here comes Champagne looking for Castle.
00:08:18The athletic catch.
00:08:19Kaperi swaps it away.
00:08:21Rampanyama got a hand on it.
00:08:23It's out of bounds as the Timberwolves have started 0 for 5 from the field.
00:08:28Much like game one, D-Wade, this is starting off like a block party right here.
00:08:32French on French crime.
00:08:34Wee-wee.
00:08:35You see Gobert getting up and getting there.
00:08:37Do you speak French?
00:08:38Uh, a little bit.
00:08:40It's an 8-0.
00:08:40I wish I could flex, but I can't.
00:08:43It's Carly in the corner and a three on the way.
00:08:46And reeled in by Rampanyama.
00:08:49The fleet-footed Fox.
00:08:51And that got a bounce and a full on that shot clock with a 9-1 San Antonio lead.
00:08:58Well, we got an opportunity to be sitting right here for game three of the first round series versus Denver.
00:09:04And Minnesota came out with so much energy, so much intensity, that you can tell that Denver was going to
00:09:11have to go and worry about the next game.
00:09:12They haven't come out with the same intensity and energy in this one.
00:09:16Rampanyama working on Gobert.
00:09:18Now making quick action to him.
00:09:20He's already got nine points, nine of San Antonio's first 11.
00:09:25And Minnesota coming out flat, down by 10, just like that.
00:09:31They've not hit a shot.
00:09:33Timeout taken.
00:09:357.47.
00:09:36First quarter from the Twin Cities on fire.
00:09:42Kevin Harlan with the Hall of Famers.
00:09:44Candice Parker along with Dwayne Wade.
00:09:47Wembenyama in a little over four minutes has got nine points, four rebounds, two blocks.
00:09:53Minnesota has started 0-6 from the floor.
00:09:55Not a good way to start a game three.
00:09:58Well, if you're Minnesota, no.
00:10:00But if you're Spurs fan, yes.
00:10:02You talk about the way to impact a game.
00:10:04Through activity.
00:10:05Through action.
00:10:06Through momentum.
00:10:08And Wembe deters a shot and then blocks it again.
00:10:12I mean, he just has his imprints over this entire game already.
00:10:16And as your go-to player, you want to see that as a teammate.
00:10:20It sets the tone.
00:10:21And that changes everything presented by Universal Orlando Resort.
00:10:27What a start.
00:10:29Dosumu has come in for the first time for Minnesota.
00:10:31He's been out last couple games with a heel injury.
00:10:35Or at least as a full participant.
00:10:37He tried to play the other night.
00:10:38Only lasted 11 minutes.
00:10:40There is a quick foul.
00:10:42It goes on the Spurs.
00:10:44It's on Devin Vassell.
00:10:47Look, Kevin, everyone talks about the San Antonio Spurs inexperience.
00:10:51And sometimes it's good because you do not know fear.
00:10:54Coming out here in game three, they just hoop and they don't know fear.
00:10:57And that's the good part about inexperience sometimes.
00:11:00As Reed is coming off the bench as well as the Timberwolves make two substitutions.
00:11:04Another rebound for Wembenyama already with five.
00:11:08Colliding into Randle.
00:11:10Gobert is off the floor.
00:11:12Minnesota has gone small.
00:11:15And it's Vassell for three.
00:11:17With the rebound.
00:11:19Touchdown two by Edwards.
00:11:22McDaniels.
00:11:23Attacking and over Wembenyama.
00:11:25Tough shot altered on the play.
00:11:27Rebound Vassell.
00:11:30And then Castle.
00:11:32Losing it.
00:11:33Retreats it.
00:11:34And Fox.
00:11:35Boy, they're trying to get in that game.
00:11:36Every chance they get.
00:11:38Attack, attack, attack.
00:11:39How do they understand what works for them?
00:11:40And that's what you want to see.
00:11:41You want to see a team that knows what success looks like.
00:11:45As Minnesota is just trying to get something going right now.
00:11:48But they understand what works for them, Kevin.
00:11:50Get it to the basket.
00:11:51Works for all those guys.
00:11:53You got Castle.
00:11:53You have Fox.
00:11:54You also have Dylan Harper.
00:11:56Those guys make the game easy for everyone else outside of Wembenyama.
00:12:01Minnesota has started 0 of 9.
00:12:03Reed.
00:12:06Fox.
00:12:07Are we watching a guy have impact on every single possession?
00:12:14Wembenyama did not get the block.
00:12:16But deters more shots than anybody you've ever seen in this week.
00:12:21There's a three try by Champagny.
00:12:23The number one three point shooter in the playoffs.
00:12:25And a turnover by Minnesota.
00:12:27And Wembenyama is picked up by Jaden McDaniels.
00:12:30And doubled by Dosumu.
00:12:32Went to sell for three.
00:12:33And a rebound by Reed.
00:12:35Well, that's what you do a little bit too.
00:12:37When Wembeny's down there, Ken.
00:12:38As you try to force it a little bit when you see opportunities.
00:12:41And Minnesota turning the ball over on that last drive.
00:12:43Trying to get that opportunity before Wembeny can get back.
00:12:46So he's even effected in the play when he's not in the play.
00:12:49Minnesota has started 0 of 11.
00:12:53And a lot of that has to do with the hesitation going downhill.
00:12:58Minnesota is a team that relies on getting downhill.
00:13:01And creating things at the rim.
00:13:03And then when the defense collapses dishing out.
00:13:06But Wembeny's help side defense.
00:13:08I mean, you look at the series.
00:13:10He's holding Minnesota to 6 for 20 in contested field goals coming into this game.
00:13:16That's an impact.
00:13:18Yeah, buddy.
00:13:19Keldon Johnson and Dylan Harper have checked in for the San Antonio Spurs.
00:13:24Wembeny remains.
00:13:27Randall's on him.
00:13:28Johnson.
00:13:29And there's a lunging Randall who picks up a foul for the Timberwolves.
00:13:35And that's number one on him.
00:13:38Now Wembeny is going to check out.
00:13:40Luke Cornett will check in.
00:13:41Gobert back in for Minnesota.
00:13:44Well, Randall has been doing a great job in the series of trying to push Wembeny out of his comfort
00:13:50zone.
00:13:50You see right here, he's fighting him, trying to get him as high as possible.
00:13:53So he can then use his physicality and his speed.
00:13:56And not allow Wembeny to get close to the basket where he has no chance.
00:13:59Here's Stephon Castle coming off a 21-point game two.
00:14:03Chiseling his way in the paint with a fake.
00:14:06And outside.
00:14:06It'll be a three.
00:14:07Down the hole it goes.
00:14:09Keldon Johnson, the six-man award winner in the NBA.
00:14:12Well, once again, two feet in the paint.
00:14:14And it allows for everyone else to get going.
00:14:18Another miss.
00:14:19Finally to get going with the tap in by Rudy Gobert.
00:14:22And the crowd is sitting on their hands just waiting for a play to explode.
00:14:27If you're the home team, you've got to get this team and this crowd involved in this game early.
00:14:32The cell doesn't make the three.
00:14:35Anthony Edwards the other way.
00:14:37Reed.
00:14:38Cornette waits three around him defensively.
00:14:41You see them swarm.
00:14:42There is no place to go.
00:14:43And as a result in Wembeny's impact early, the ball stopped.
00:14:47And it's apparent on the other end, on the offensive end, Minnesota's not getting the ball from side to side.
00:14:53It's a lot of one-on-one action.
00:14:55The ball's got to get to the back side and then they can attack.
00:14:58Reed picks up the foul.
00:14:59Yeah, Candace, you're right to your point.
00:15:01They're trying to go so fast, right?
00:15:03Wembeny kind of has that.
00:15:04He's not even in the game right now.
00:15:06But Wembeny has that kind of, you know, impression on everyone.
00:15:09When they see an opportunity, they try to go.
00:15:11Instead of working the game, working their game plan, getting the ball around, making the defense actually have to work.
00:15:19They're going to bring in Terrence Shannon for the first time.
00:15:23Edwards will sit.
00:15:26And Shannon has had some big games.
00:15:29He had started three games in a row with all the injuries.
00:15:34Di Vincenzo out for the season.
00:15:35Torn Achilles.
00:15:36Vassell inside.
00:15:37In close.
00:15:38And overdose Sumo.
00:15:39And with Wembeny out of the game, their package is a lot of away screens.
00:15:44They're going to utilize their guards, the talent.
00:15:46You see Dylan Harper in there with those away screens that Vassell scored on.
00:15:50It's a steal.
00:15:52It's picked up by Johnson.
00:15:53Trying to get through the trailing castle.
00:15:55Up, hit high.
00:15:56Fouled on the play by Reed.
00:15:58Number two on him.
00:16:04Johnson just fighting over every screen.
00:16:06That's what these guards do so well, similar to Jaden McDaniels.
00:16:10Really making sure that the bigs could not screen him, fighting over every screen.
00:16:13That's what allowed him to just have the ball fall in his hand because he did not allow to be
00:16:18a magnet to a screen.
00:16:19Castle in game two is nine of nine at the line.
00:16:23Taking a look at the upcoming playoff schedule.
00:16:26WNBA tomorrow on ABC.
00:16:28Wings and Fever.
00:16:29Mercury and Aces.
00:16:31Tomorrow on NBC.
00:16:32Pistons, Cavs.
00:16:33That'll be game three.
00:16:35And tomorrow on ABC, it'll be Oklahoma City taking a two-games-to-none lead into L.A. against the
00:16:41Lakers.
00:16:41For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:16:46Shannon drives, cornered, Osumu Ngo with a three.
00:16:49With the rebound, yanked down by Johnson.
00:16:53And now Dylan Harper driving into Shannon.
00:16:55A bye for Cornette.
00:16:57Bad pass through his hands.
00:16:59And it's a turnover for the Spurs.
00:17:01Cornette's like, I'm not Wimpy.
00:17:03Right?
00:17:04A little bit lower.
00:17:05Just a little bit lower.
00:17:09Osumu playing with a bad calf and a bad heel and read a three.
00:17:13Here's what.
00:17:14Puts it in a triple.
00:17:16His first basket tonight.
00:17:18And a timeout.
00:17:20With 3.45 to go in the first.
00:17:24The crowd is ready.
00:17:26They've had very little to cheer for so far.
00:17:29Minnesota has started two of 16.
00:17:32And they trail 18-6 on prime in the first.
00:17:381-1.
00:17:39And after the Spurs' game-1 loss, a lot of attention quickly shifted to a film session.
00:17:43A film session where the great-great Popovich parted his wisdom on the young Spurs squad.
00:17:48Harrison Barnes telling me this morning, Pop's message centered on two things.
00:17:51First, quieting the outside noise.
00:17:53And number two, what can we do today?
00:17:55What tangible things can a team split up?
00:17:57Everything else, Pop says, is secondary.
00:17:59Now I asked Mitch Johnson what it meant to have Coach Pop present.
00:18:02And guys, Mitch said, more than anything, what's made this journey emotional is knowing Coach Pop never truly chose to
00:18:09stop coaching.
00:18:10He was forced to step away, noting that Pop still coaches him hard, challenges him, even still has ideas.
00:18:16And for Mitch, Kevin, he says he's still incredibly grateful that Bond remains the same.
00:18:20Clearly more than any one film session could provide.
00:18:24That's a terrific story.
00:18:25We talked to him before the game.
00:18:27And he was, he was emotional, I think, talking about what the great-great Popovich has meant to him, not
00:18:34only as a coach, but as a person.
00:18:37What Pop has meant to basketball.
00:18:39And you need those culture setters.
00:18:42And Pop is one of those.
00:18:43His presence speaks volumes and speaks confidence into this young group.
00:18:48And just to see him still around the game that he loves, it's amazing.
00:18:53I love when he said, Pop is still Pop.
00:18:55He's still coaching.
00:18:56He's still cursing.
00:18:57But he's still putting his hand around him and his shoulder.
00:19:00And he's still the same guy, man.
00:19:01I love that.
00:19:0318-6.
00:19:04San Antonio has led from the get-go.
00:19:07They're up early.
00:19:09They've held on.
00:19:10Going in.
00:19:11Johnson out to the cell.
00:19:13Head by Shannon.
00:19:14Shot clock at three.
00:19:15On top is Harper, the rookie, Shannon there on the switch.
00:19:20And he's in a row.
00:19:21Minnesota with some defensive length.
00:19:24And that's the type of defense that we're accustomed to seeing Minnesota play.
00:19:29That's the reason why they are advancing to this next round is because of the defense they played, they traveled
00:19:36with, against Denver.
00:19:38They have an advantage, Candace, and it's called this crowd.
00:19:40They have to make sure that they're doing things like that to get this crowd involved in the game.
00:19:45We couldn't hear ourselves last game.
00:19:47It was the last time we were here.
00:19:48Like that.
00:19:49Tied by Copair.
00:19:51And a terrific feed to get him in that position.
00:19:55Johnson, Cornette.
00:19:57And back to Kelvin.
00:19:59And they'll set with De'Aaron Fox.
00:20:01Reed is there.
00:20:03Edwards has come in for McDaniels.
00:20:07Five to fire.
00:20:08In goes Colvin Johnson.
00:20:10It's picked up by Dosumu.
00:20:12Minnesota now is in another gear.
00:20:14It's Gobert from Shannon.
00:20:20And it looks like that a 7-0 run.
00:20:23And it looks like Coach Johnson is calling Wimby back to the table as Minnesota is getting downhill and doing
00:20:31what they want.
00:20:32Playing through the front center.
00:20:34What starts with the defensive end, Candace, that's who offensively obviously didn't have a success, but they turned it up
00:20:39on a defensive end of the floor.
00:20:41And they're playing off with that energy right now.
00:20:43Edwards got the Johnson mess.
00:20:46They'll take it in to wait.
00:20:48And it goes.
00:20:52Minnesota is on a 9-0 run.
00:20:54After trailing by 15 moments ago.
00:20:59It's Cornette and Gobert is there.
00:21:02Devin Vassell.
00:21:04Devin Vassell.
00:21:04Leaving, driving, faking, spinning, lunging, firing it up.
00:21:12That footwork right there, Candace.
00:21:14Devin Vassell calms the run now.
00:21:17Doing a little bit of everything to get that shot up.
00:21:20Anthony Edwards, under a nest of defenders and got it to go.
00:21:25I love how Tony Brothers has looked at Andy.
00:21:29Anybody know of anything about Tony Brothers?
00:21:31He's going to give you some stares.
00:21:34There's a turnover.
00:21:35Much more intensity.
00:21:37Far more tenacious.
00:21:39Edwards, the trailing Shannon.
00:21:41They knew they had to go downhill every time they got it.
00:21:44A point here by Edwards.
00:21:45And stretched as he takes it in and fouled by the San Antonio defense.
00:21:52Right here, Ant Edwards finds Shannon Jr.
00:21:56He does a great job of getting downhill.
00:21:58Yo, did Rudy get more athletic?
00:22:01Do you see him, Candace?
00:22:02He's going around the defense.
00:22:04And Anthony Edwards is doing what he do, man.
00:22:06Just getting through the defense.
00:22:07Taking his time, being patient, and getting to his spots and his money.
00:22:11Well, so much is being said about Wimby learning from Gobert.
00:22:13Let's say Gobert, learn a couple finger rolls from Wimby on that and those finishes.
00:22:18So tonight, Edwards is playing with a hyperextended left knee that took some time.
00:22:25He'd come off the bench the previous two games.
00:22:27His right knee, he's going through runner's knee.
00:22:30That was what Steph Curry had for Golden State late in the season.
00:22:33So, it's not one, it's both knees are causing him some problems.
00:22:36And with this series, now these games being every other day, we're going to see the impact of the series
00:22:43on Anthony Edwards.
00:22:44But this, again, is a pivotal game three.
00:22:46And he said, if I'm capable of being on the floor, I will be out there for my teammates.
00:22:51Minnesotas on a 13-2 run foul, does Zuma on Castle.
00:23:00Sometimes it's good enough just to take time off the clock.
00:23:04Putting pressure on the ball, taking time off the clock so they're getting into their offensive sets late.
00:23:09You don't have to reach right there.
00:23:11You got them right where you want them.
00:23:14Zuma picks up number one.
00:23:16And Castle is at the free throw line for a second time.
00:23:22And now three of three.
00:23:23May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
00:23:26Be kind to yourself and each other.
00:23:28Reach out to Crisis text line by texting TEAM to 741-741 for free confidential 24-7 support.
00:23:40National champion at UConn.
00:23:43Grew up in the Atlanta area.
00:23:44There was a miss in his first in a while.
00:23:47He had gone 12 of 12, going back to game two.
00:23:52It's Dosumu, the hesitation and the drive.
00:23:55And Champagne, who's back in the game, gets the rebound.
00:23:59Fox is there.
00:24:00Rembenyama in the contest.
00:24:01Castle in the corner.
00:24:04And Rembe's got it.
00:24:05And Gobert comes out on it.
00:24:06Final 40 seconds of the first quarter.
00:24:10Fox, a fake, a fiend.
00:24:12Jackson cutting.
00:24:15Just incredible patience right there by Fox.
00:24:18And just the last minute cut by Johnson.
00:24:20I mean, he's six men of the year for a reason.
00:24:22And he comes in and he does all those little things for this team to make up the men.
00:24:27Gobert's free!
00:24:29And makes it a four-point game once again.
00:24:32He's got ten in the first quarter.
00:24:34And Anthony Edwards coming alive.
00:24:36That's a great sign for him setting the tone on the offensive end.
00:24:42There's the difference in two seconds.
00:24:43The game clock and shot clock.
00:24:45Gobert and Rembenyama.
00:24:48Fox and Dosumu.
00:24:50The screen.
00:24:53Fox, Rembenyama.
00:24:54It's a three.
00:24:54He has struggled with that shot in this series.
00:24:57Gobert, the rebound.
00:24:58A couple seconds.
00:24:59Here's Edwards.
00:25:00Can he get it before the horn?
00:25:01Yes!
00:25:04That's a bad name.
00:25:21Anthony Edwards with 13 first quarter points.
00:25:28He had the last 12 for the Timberwolves, who end the first quarter on a 19-5 run.
00:25:36Let's go to the second.
00:25:38It's a one-point game.
00:25:39You're watching the NBA playoffs, presented by Google.
00:25:48Well, two minutes of the first quarter gets Minnesota back in and trailing by 15, and now they're
00:25:55down by just one.
00:25:58Spurs on top.
00:25:59Edwards here.
00:26:00Castle will defend.
00:26:02It's a two.
00:26:04And Minnesota's got their first lead tonight.
00:26:07And Ant Edwards, coach said he was probably 60%.
00:26:11Well, give me 60%.
00:26:12Because he looks like he has a pep in his step, especially to end that first quarter and to
00:26:17start the second.
00:26:18He's 60.
00:26:19Sorry, Kevin.
00:26:20He's 60% when the ball's not going through the basket.
00:26:22When the ball's going in, you feel nothing.
00:26:26Here comes Anthony Edwards and Fox is there with the fade away.
00:26:32But Daniels tips it.
00:26:35Minnesota controls Naz Reed.
00:26:40And we've had an 18-point turnaround in this game in 13 minutes' time.
00:26:47Well, Kevin, Minnesota started one of 15 from the field.
00:26:51Wow.
00:26:53Right there.
00:26:53Back-pettling Rembenyama.
00:26:56Can't stop that.
00:26:57There's nothing you can do.
00:26:57There's nothing you can do.
00:26:58But when you're in Minnesota and you have a guy similar to the Spurs, they have Wimby,
00:27:02a guy that they know what he's going to bring every game.
00:27:05And so it brings confidence.
00:27:07When you have a guy that's late in the game who gets into this game, another Anthony Edwards
00:27:12penetrates in the pass, when you have a guy that can score 14 points straight that
00:27:15can explode like that, the confidence that it gives you on your team is the confidence
00:27:20that you're going to need to win this game tonight.
00:27:23Castle drives on Reed.
00:27:27Castle with five.
00:27:29Edwards, Reed, and it's Shannon for three.
00:27:37At the rebound, grabbed on it for the first time in the game.
00:27:40Harrison Barnes, the veteran in his 14th NBA season.
00:27:44Fox, Wembenyama.
00:27:46Over Shannon the pass, and it sits right in the bounds with a turnover for San Antonio.
00:27:52They got four.
00:27:54And the Timberwolves, although they did not score in that possession, they were able to
00:27:59get back and set their defense.
00:28:01That's something that they struggled with, especially in game two, is being able to stop
00:28:05the Spurs from playing so fast.
00:28:08Jaden McDaniels, and he felt Wembenyama.
00:28:10Here's the driving Randle.
00:28:12A kick, Reed, three.
00:28:14Wembenyama, the rebound.
00:28:16He's got six.
00:28:17With Fox, the stutter step, and the drive into Shannon.
00:28:21Champagny, three.
00:28:22The number one three-point shooter in these playoffs.
00:28:25Had that ball ticked on the shot.
00:28:28And Edwards with Castle there.
00:28:32The ball rotation.
00:28:35Reed hard to the hole.
00:28:37Locked away, Wembenyama, and the collision with Reed, and both hit the deck.
00:28:42In Minnesota, on two possessions before, finding the corner shooter, this time turning down
00:28:48bad shots to take great ones.
00:28:50Nas Reed taking on the giant Fox fouling.
00:28:55But I love the aggression that Minnesota is playing with here early in the second quarter.
00:29:06They've got Fox fouled.
00:29:07Running on the court, defense fouled San Antonio.
00:29:10The player's being reviewed to see if it's potentially in no review.
00:29:17Must have do about nothing on the review.
00:29:19But you got Wembeny behind you, Fox.
00:29:21You don't even, you don't need to do that.
00:29:25Just let Wembeny clean it up.
00:29:27You were spoken like a true.
00:29:28I played with Shaq.
00:29:30And then the lines are on it.
00:29:31Go get it, big fellas.
00:29:32I'm going to swipe.
00:29:34You go get it.
00:29:39I don't think there's much on that play.
00:29:40Doesn't appear to be going to play on.
00:29:42This is an NBA playoff foul.
00:29:45Fox got him right there.
00:29:49But I think one thing that Minnesota has done these last few minutes, Candace, that they did not do in
00:29:54the beginning of the game is that ball has not only hit the paint, but it's been going around from
00:30:00side to side.
00:30:00And so now the defense is out of position.
00:30:04And even though Wembeny is back there and you know that, that your defense is out of position and now
00:30:08you're reacting to someone you feel is going to score because you're on the side of them.
00:30:11And so just great ball movement for Minnesota in these last few minutes.
00:30:16Well, it started with Ant Edwards aggression and I think that Minnesota came in with that defensive lineup and that
00:30:23defensive lineup getting those shot clock violations really changed the momentum of this game because it allowed Minnesota to play
00:30:30a little bit more downhill, which gave them the confidence to move the ball on the offensive end in the
00:30:35half court.
00:30:35And playing downhill and just attacking the lane was their number one aim as they went into this series and
00:30:44then hoping they could do the drive and kick thing, but they have to at least establish the paint.
00:30:48100%.
00:30:49The paint is going to be so important for them.
00:30:51And also, too, you do want to attack Wembeny.
00:30:55At the review, there is no illegal contact on the play.
00:31:01There's only a foul on the shot, but there's nothing following that.
00:31:06Therefore, it'll be two shot.
00:31:08So Fox picks up the foul.
00:31:11Reed was driving hard.
00:31:12He'll be at the line.
00:31:139-24 in the second quarter.
00:31:17I think the refs needed a breather.
00:31:20Yeah.
00:31:21The game going so fast.
00:31:23They was like, let's go review that.
00:31:25Well, it's almost like somebody just flipped on a switch and midway through that first quarter, I mean, Minnesota candidates,
00:31:30came out lethargic, they turned the ball over, they couldn't hit shots, they begin 1 of 15, and they come
00:31:35back, and all of a sudden, with a couple lineup changes by Chris Finch,
00:31:39who's done a very nice job with this team, with the injuries they've had to deal with, and guys less
00:31:44than 100% came in with the right combination and the right gear to attack the San Antonio team.
00:31:51So here's Reed at the line.
00:31:53Let's take a look at tonight's live update presented by FanDuel's out in Rivals and the Wolves by three.
00:32:00The point spread was minus a point and a half, and the overrunner, 207 and a half, with Reed there.
00:32:09Kevin, they say experience, it steadies you.
00:32:12And so this team right here, they go down early, but we know this team has been in the Western
00:32:16Conference Finals the last two years.
00:32:18They have experience, and experience kept them steady.
00:32:22Four-point lead is the biggest for the Timberwolves, who trailed early on by 15 in the first, Fox to
00:32:27the rim.
00:32:29And we're going to see a lot of that Fox, Wimby pick and roll.
00:32:32Didn't do it as much in game one, granted a lot more in game two, which kind of set the
00:32:36tone on the offensive end for the Spurs.
00:32:39Carter Bryant has checked in for San Antonio, the ball rotation, Reed in the corner.
00:32:43The fake, and a floater on the fly.
00:32:45A rebound by Rembenyama, and it's Fox.
00:32:48And Kessel, in the corner, Harrison Barnes, great feed, the collision, and a foul.
00:32:56Down goes Randle.
00:33:01And he was jousting with Wimbyama, and that is the second foul on Julius Randle.
00:33:07And he's still down.
00:33:10Right here, you tell your big to run, rim to rim.
00:33:14And right there, Wimby looked like he got him with the follow-through after the foul.
00:33:22That looked like a volley.
00:33:23Your daughter plays volleyball, can't it?
00:33:25That looked like a volley set by the...
00:33:29Shout-out to Layla.
00:33:30He just does play volleyball.
00:33:31He volley set it up by the rim.
00:33:33But when you are 7'4", an agile like Wimbyama, to be able to catch and finish in the rim.
00:33:38You know how some guards can't give it to post players until it's...
00:33:42Yeah, you got a perfect spot.
00:33:43You got to be...
00:33:44Oh, my goodness.
00:33:47Rembenyama, 89% in the playoffs so far this year for the Spurs.
00:33:53He's averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
00:33:59And then he is averaging from the floor over 50%.
00:34:0389 for the line.
00:34:05Those averages are the highest for a player's first six career playoff games in NBA playoff history.
00:34:13Reid got the miss.
00:34:15Minnesota with Randle.
00:34:18Brian Adam driving into the rookie.
00:34:23Dosumu across the lane.
00:34:25Wimbyama holders the shot and takes it the other way.
00:34:30Every shot around the rim with Wimby's there, their shot has been released quicker than they have wanted it to.
00:34:36And it had lead to a lot of misses because they're not able to finish the way that they're normally
00:34:42finishing what they practice every day.
00:34:44Castle had to work hard into the defense of Dosumu.
00:34:47And here go the Wolves.
00:34:4915 points for Edwards, defended by the veteran Barnes, a long two.
00:34:53Rebound Rembenyama.
00:34:55He's got nine of them.
00:34:56And Castle and Vox.
00:34:59They'll set up.
00:35:00It's a three and a rebound by Edwards.
00:35:04And taken by Castle.
00:35:06Brian, he'll launch a three.
00:35:08Got it.
00:35:09And those are the extra hustle plays right there by Stephon Castle.
00:35:14Doesn't take a contested layup, finds the corner, which has kind of been the theme of this game.
00:35:20The corners have been the outlet for both teams.
00:35:23There's the blitz at Edwards.
00:35:26In the corner, Randle with a three.
00:35:28And a fine.
00:35:30McDaniels has the ball.
00:35:32Randle.
00:35:38But McDaniels made that play.
00:35:42Castle.
00:35:43Wembenyama.
00:35:44Too easy.
00:35:45Timeout.
00:35:47Nope.
00:35:47It's a foul and a shove.
00:35:49And down goes Wembenyama.
00:35:50Count the two with the Spurs by two.
00:35:54But, Kevin, I got to go back to this play right here.
00:35:57You can't lay it up with seven foot four.
00:36:00Wembeny's going to go for the block.
00:36:02Randle takes on the challenge right there, putting it through.
00:36:07And then Wembeny, just easy.
00:36:10Just, Candice, Wembeny does an incredible job, as we talked about earlier.
00:36:14Just his ability to be able to roll.
00:36:17Obviously, he's a big target.
00:36:18And you can give him the ball on the move.
00:36:21But he rolls and he's always in the position that he has no other choice but to just catch it
00:36:25and put it up.
00:36:27Edwards will check out.
00:36:29Shannon will check in.
00:36:30Wembenyama at the line.
00:36:32He's a top three finalist for the MVP award this season.
00:36:36After getting the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award a bit earlier.
00:36:42It's interesting.
00:36:43Coach Bench electing to keep Rudy Gobert on the bench,
00:36:47which means Wembeny is the only seven-footer out there and might have his way in the paint.
00:36:54Dylan Harper's checked in for the Spurs.
00:36:56Here's McDaniels.
00:36:59Shannon with a three.
00:37:01McDaniels with a rebound.
00:37:02Dos Sumer will control it.
00:37:04It's Randle driving hard.
00:37:06The collision and the feed.
00:37:07Dos Sumer.
00:37:13There's a shove and a foul.
00:37:15It's on the rookie, Dylan Harper.
00:37:17He'll pick it up for the Spurs.
00:37:20That will be number two on him.
00:37:226.52 in the second.
00:37:24With the Spurs on top by three.
00:37:29A farm is there.
00:37:32By CarMax.
00:37:34Want to drive?
00:37:35And by Google.
00:37:37Stanley Cup playoffs with the Wild.
00:37:42And we know the Lynx will have their season opener tomorrow against Atlanta.
00:37:47The WNBA tipping off tonight.
00:37:50Prime will be your address for the WNBA season upcoming with a lot of Candace Park.
00:37:57And we had to show those banners because, you know, I was on the other end of a couple of
00:38:00those.
00:38:01Oh, don't feel like that.
00:38:02Don't feel like that.
00:38:03We had to do that.
00:38:04Don't feel like that.
00:38:05They've been getting me on the whole time.
00:38:08The Timberwolves began 1 of 15.
00:38:10Then they went 10 of 12.
00:38:11Since they've gone 1 of 9, Randle forcing the issue off.
00:38:14Balance contorts.
00:38:16Crashes.
00:38:16Fouled as he fired.
00:38:18With 6.41 to go here in the first half.
00:38:21Foul on Bryant.
00:38:23And Randle will be at the line.
00:38:25Free throw shooting has been an issue in the first two games for the Timberwolves.
00:38:29A combined 28 of 52.
00:38:32And that's 54%.
00:38:34But tonight, they have gone 5 of 6.
00:38:37Yes, and they've really made a concerted effort to get downhill.
00:38:42And you're going to get fouled.
00:38:43And you have to knock down the easy ones.
00:38:45Randle at the top of the key is hard to guard.
00:38:48Coach Finch emphasized he needs to stay out of the corners.
00:38:51He needs to play through the middle of the floor.
00:38:53And thus far, early in this game, he's done that.
00:38:55What else have you seen, Candice?
00:38:57Things that have caught your eye about the way it began, where it is now.
00:39:00And the game will come from a Game 2 38-point win for the Spurs.
00:39:04Well, Gobert and playing on the defensive end versus the balance of playing faster if you're the Timberwolves.
00:39:11Obviously, Wimby has had his way 15 points in the paint thus far early because the other French center is
00:39:17on the bench.
00:39:18But you're countering that by being able to play faster.
00:39:22Harper on top.
00:39:24Chuck Hawkins to Bryant for three.
00:39:30We talked about Julius Randle really needing to bring his physicality to this game.
00:39:35But they need him on his offensive end like he just did last play.
00:39:38Put your head down.
00:39:40Put that shoulder into somebody's chest.
00:39:41And go up and obviously try to get to the foul line.
00:39:44But make that basket, man.
00:39:46We need, they need him to be able to be the player that Julius Randle has been and definitely was
00:39:51in Game 1.
00:39:51Reid picked up by Bryant for three.
00:39:55And a shove and a foul.
00:39:57It is on San Antonio.
00:39:595.50 in the first half.
00:40:01Spurs led early by 15.
00:40:03Wolves came back to take a four-point lead and an incredible comeback early in the game.
00:40:08Gobert coming back in for Minnesota.
00:40:12Well, Gobert back in.
00:40:13But those that have had impact, we've seen Dylan Harper and his impact through this entire playoff series.
00:40:18But Carter Bryant coming in and knocking down two threes to kind of steady the Spurs offense.
00:40:24Cornette is in for Wimbanyama.
00:40:25The drive by Randle.
00:40:26The foul on the rookie.
00:40:28And Randle again to the line.
00:40:31That foul goes on Bryant.
00:40:33There he is.
00:40:34He missed a game earlier with a foot injury.
00:40:37He's got two off the bench.
00:40:39And Randle at the free throw line.
00:40:41He had that terrific playoff run last season.
00:40:44But his numbers in these playoffs against Denver and beginning here against the Spurs a little bit down compared to
00:40:50last season.
00:40:54And he gets it to go.
00:40:55The NBA family proudly continues its season-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
00:41:03Through service and volunteerism, we honor the spirit, the resilience, and the unity that have shaped our nation for two
00:41:10and a half centuries.
00:41:10Please join us as we honor America.
00:41:14Randle at the line.
00:41:15Minnesota 9 of 10 from the strike.
00:41:18He missed.
00:41:20He missed.
00:41:21He missed.
00:41:21He missed.
00:41:22He missed.
00:41:23He missed.
00:41:23He missed.
00:41:24He missed.
00:41:24He missed.
00:41:25He missed.
00:41:26Fox will drive on those who move.
00:41:28Put on the brakes.
00:41:2914-footer.
00:41:30Slacked away.
00:41:31Fox retrieves.
00:41:32Spurs keep it alive.
00:41:34Vassell in the corner.
00:41:35Harper three now.
00:41:37Gobert there to lasso that rebound.
00:41:41McDaniels.
00:41:43And again, the defense right back there for the Spurs.
00:41:45The number one defense in the playoffs.
00:41:47In the corner, McDaniels with a three.
00:41:49He has been struggling with his three-point shooting in these playoffs.
00:41:53Yeah, it's just three of 13 in the playoffs right here.
00:41:57Siles picks up the phone.
00:41:59Shannon Jr. stepping in and taking the charge with his body.
00:42:03You talk about when your number is called being ready to play.
00:42:06Shannon Jr. did not get consistent minutes all year.
00:42:09DiVincenzo goes out.
00:42:10He comes in, makes an impact in the Denver series as well as in game one,
00:42:16getting downhill at will.
00:42:18So this young man.
00:42:22You're talking about making an impact, Candace.
00:42:24As soon as he got off the bench and came into the game, that's when they went on that run.
00:42:29He had the first defensive stop.
00:42:31He got into the ball, got the first defensive stop, and started the run.
00:42:35So the young man from Chicago, give him some credit for coming in and at least changing the outcome so
00:42:40far for Minnesota.
00:42:41Keldon Johnson, who just checked in, followed by Edwards, who just checked in.
00:42:46And a two-point San Antonio lead.
00:42:47Edwards has just picked up his second.
00:42:50So Castle is in.
00:42:51Keldon Johnson is in.
00:42:53And that's for San Antonio.
00:42:56Edwards has come in.
00:42:57Fox is out.
00:42:58Bryant is out.
00:42:59And Dosumu is out with Keldon Johnson at the line.
00:43:02And Fox, by the way, Allie Clifton, just picked up his third personal foul for the Spurs.
00:43:13There's Fox.
00:43:16And Johnson again.
00:43:22Ringo.
00:43:29It's a move by Shea.
00:43:31So fast.
00:43:32And it's picked up on McClay by DeSalle.
00:43:36And a whistle.
00:43:38And a backpill in foul.
00:43:454.41 to go here in the first half.
00:43:47McDaniels has picked up his second.
00:43:50And at times in this series, we've seen, although Shannon Jr. tried,
00:43:55Cornett at the rim, a shot leading to San Antonio.
00:43:59Being able to play fast right here.
00:44:03He tried it.
00:44:04Listen, when you bite your bottom lip before you dunk, you know you're trying to put somebody in a basket.
00:44:10But listen, I know he missed the dunk, but that's how you go to the basket in the playoff.
00:44:15You try to take the rim off.
00:44:17And the bigs know you come in with that kind of force and energy.
00:44:23How about the plus minus with Harper on the floor as opposed to being on the bench in this series?
00:44:29Dylan Harper making an impact.
00:44:33A guy that was drafted number two overall in the NBA draft has been patient this year watching fellow draft
00:44:40members perform.
00:44:41But when you're closing minutes in the playoffs, I'd rather that any day.
00:44:46He's a plus, what, 21.5 when he's on the floor.
00:44:49Without him, they are plus six and a half.
00:44:52So that shows his impact as a young guy.
00:44:54And I love what Coach Johnson said.
00:44:56He talked about how Fox Harper, as Castle, gets into the vein and makes another shot.
00:45:02And Castle, how they all have embraced each other.
00:45:04I think they all see each other have a success in a game, and they get excited because they know
00:45:09they have similarities in a game, and they can also have success.
00:45:12Driving McDaniels off that baseline.
00:45:16And a foul called on the play.
00:45:18The Timberwolves have missed 12 of their last 13 shots.
00:45:22Cornette in for Wimbanyama.
00:45:24Picks up his first.
00:45:27McDaniels will be at the free throw line.
00:45:29Well, we're seeing guys in this playoffs.
00:45:31The Ant Edwards, the Jalen Brunson's, the SGA's, where teams are not going to allow you to come down and
00:45:37set up and get to your spots.
00:45:39They're doubling Ant early.
00:45:40He's trusting his teammates and getting off the ball, and that's why McDaniels is at the free throw line.
00:45:45Randall checks out, rechecks in.
00:45:47Another free throw coming up for Jaden McDaniels.
00:45:51I would love for them to be able to run something to Julius Randall.
00:45:55I think right now, him getting the ball out the three-point line, dribble, dribble, dribble, between the legs, and
00:45:59then attacking.
00:46:00Yes, he can do that, but let's put him in attack situations already before he gets to that.
00:46:05Reid has the rebound.
00:46:06Here comes Edwards.
00:46:07He's got 15.
00:46:09Wimbanyama's got 15.
00:46:10They blitz him again.
00:46:11Reid on the wing.
00:46:14Against Cornette's.
00:46:15The collision, the crash, and the foul.
00:46:20It goes on Reid.
00:46:22Gnaz will pick up the foul.
00:46:24That is number three on Gnaz Reid.
00:46:26That is not a good sign.
00:46:29Right here, driving Barnett, putting his arm on Reid.
00:46:35Right here, and it looks like the Wolves are going to challenge.
00:46:40No barbecue sauce for him tonight.
00:46:45So, the challenge, with 3.42 to go here in the second quarter.
00:46:49The winning order floor is an offensive foul in Minnesota.
00:46:50The play has been challenged by Minnesota.
00:46:53And while they look at that, you'll look at this, and then we'll tell you what's going on when we
00:46:59come back to downtown Minneapolis on Prime.
00:47:05I don't care about the pass.
00:47:07Now you've got a guard.
00:47:09You're just out there like this.
00:47:10All right, come on, let's go.
00:47:12And you guys are doing the great multiple effort where I'm here, ball goes there, I'm there.
00:47:17He drives, it goes there, I go there.
00:47:20That's what it takes.
00:47:21But then we all got to get back in and finish it with the boards.
00:47:24That's Johnson, 39 years of age, played four years at Stanford.
00:47:29Disciple of Greg Popovich.
00:47:31Watch it again.
00:47:32The Wolves challenge, and they won the challenge.
00:47:36And Reed will be at the line.
00:47:38Yeah, right there.
00:47:39Cornette goes into the space of Nas Reed.
00:47:42Got to be careful.
00:47:43He can't play defense with your face.
00:47:44That's a new defensive tactic that is happening in this playoffs.
00:47:48Everybody putting their face in the wrong place.
00:47:52But listening to Coach Mitch Johnson, that's what you want from your coach, you know, to make sure that he's
00:47:59bringing you back to the game plan over and over.
00:48:01You start with it, and then the game happens, you get away from it.
00:48:05It's your coach's job to challenge you, to bring you back to the game plan.
00:48:09San Antonio, the second quarter, 7-14 from the floor.
00:48:12Minnesota, 4-17.
00:48:15Shooting in the second.
00:48:16Fade away, Vassell.
00:48:18Rebound, Edwards.
00:48:19Chased by Johnson.
00:48:21Racing the other way.
00:48:25He goes into Harper and fades away.
00:48:27Oh, man, man!
00:48:30And Edwards cleans it up and puts it in.
00:48:3317 for Anthony Edwards.
00:48:36Defense!
00:48:39Defense!
00:48:40Defense!
00:48:41Minnesota second chance points, plus 8.
00:48:44Defense!
00:48:44Vassell.
00:48:47Lines up, knocks it in.
00:48:48And Vassell has quieted a number of runs.
00:48:51They're running a lot of the offensive package with Wimby off the floor, and Vassell's taking advantage of it.
00:48:57Oh, my God.
00:48:59Here's a drive inside.
00:49:00Shannon and the goal picker!
00:49:04That is what they say, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy.
00:49:09Pass on, turns off backies and picks up a foul.
00:49:13He's got his first.
00:49:15And that is Shannon Jr.'s second drawn charge.
00:49:21Sometimes, as Rudy puts it back right there, but...
00:49:25Rudy, Rudy, Rudy.
00:49:26Oh, that's you?
00:49:27Rudy.
00:49:29And then Shannon Jr. just putting his body on the line.
00:49:34There's a reason.
00:49:34I know a lot of people don't like the plus-minus, but there's a reason why Shannon Jr. is plus
00:49:41-16.
00:49:42Highest plus-minus on the team is because he's doing it on both ends of the floor.
00:49:46We've got a challenge here by San Antonio.
00:49:49Uh-oh.
00:49:50He was moving a little bit.
00:49:52Just a little bit.
00:49:55With a two-point Spurs lead, San Antonio, the two-seed, 62-win season, Minnesota, the six-seed, a 49
00:50:04-win season.
00:50:05Third straight year, they've won at least 49 games.
00:50:09As they're looking at it again, the veteran crew.
00:50:14Right here.
00:50:17I think he took it in the chest.
00:50:19He was there.
00:50:20All right, let's put a bet on it.
00:50:21Five dollars.
00:50:22I don't know if this gets overturned.
00:50:24Five dollars.
00:50:27Matter of fact, the signed jersey that you wore in Tennessee, let's put that, let's put that on the board.
00:50:35The Tennessee one.
00:50:37You used to use your left hand.
00:50:39Used to as wild.
00:50:48Minnesota is playing without Dante DiVincenzo, who started every game this season for them.
00:50:54He tore his Achilles in the Denver series.
00:50:56Not only was he a terrific outside shooter, but he adds a lot of grit.
00:51:01At the review, the defender's in a legal guarding position at the time of the contact.
00:51:07Therefore, the offensive foul stands.
00:51:09That's an unsuccessful challenge.
00:51:11You ain't betting you need defenders.
00:51:12San Antonio loses the timeout.
00:51:14Let the record play that on one, D-Wade zero right here.
00:51:18You don't have to get him dead in the chest, but you do have to be set.
00:51:21Shannon Jr. putting his body on the line and getting there early.
00:51:25Well, that's the kind of play, getting back to DiVincenzo, that he would produce for the team.
00:51:30And in his absence, they're counting on Shannon and others to fill that void.
00:51:34Yeah, and he's done it as soon as he checked into the game, Kevin.
00:51:37He brought that same energy, that intensity that got him on the floor.
00:51:42And so that allowed for them, even Rudy, getting that tip done.
00:51:44It was Shanning, the one that was penetrating, getting down to the paint, missed the shot,
00:51:48and allowed for Rudy to get the offensive rebound.
00:51:51And Allie Shannon coming off the bench tonight after starting three in a row.
00:51:54And best believe, Kevin, these are the moments that Terrence welcomes.
00:51:57He said after game one on Monday, I don't feel pressure.
00:51:59I just stay ready.
00:52:00He said he's always working, always prepared,
00:52:02because his teammates and coaching staff believe in him.
00:52:04They simply tell him to go out there and be himself.
00:52:07Read three.
00:52:10And Minnesota recaptures the lead.
00:52:14Approaching two to play in the first half.
00:52:16Defense!
00:52:18Defense!
00:52:20Defense!
00:52:21It's Fox.
00:52:23And Edwards comes out on it.
00:52:25Fox having a slow start to this game.
00:52:27We saw him in game two.
00:52:29Nine points in the first quarter.
00:52:32As Wimby goes one-on-one and hoists.
00:52:35But Ant Edwards here drawing.
00:52:37You see seven-foot-four comes over.
00:52:39What's the outlet?
00:52:40The corner to Nas Reed, who knocks it down.
00:52:43That has been the theme of this game.
00:52:45You draw Wimby, and you kick to the corner.
00:52:47And Nas Reed is a terrific corner three shooter.
00:52:51He's a terrific corner three shooter.
00:52:53Also to a guy who can shoot it from the corner, but also to catch and go and put pressure
00:52:57on a basket.
00:52:59Make plays for other people.
00:53:00When he's going, when he's rolling, he's involved in the offense.
00:53:03Then Minnesota gets really scary.
00:53:05Gobert just picked up his first foul.
00:53:07Here's Victor Wimby-Yama at the free-throw line.
00:53:10Now 4 of 5, 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks at the line.
00:53:18San Antone, 9 of 13.
00:53:21Minnesota, 11 of 14 from the strike.
00:53:24Gobert will check out.
00:53:26Randall is in.
00:53:29Wimby-Yama at the line.
00:53:32To break the tie.
00:53:35Reed.
00:53:41This is so quick.
00:53:44It's Randall with Castle defending.
00:53:50I'm going to get into holding the ball too much.
00:53:52I'm going to make quick decisions against the Spurs defense.
00:53:55Ooh, nice ending out by Randall.
00:53:58And the rebound by Vassell.
00:54:00And here comes Stephon Kessel.
00:54:03Makes a move.
00:54:04Little head fake.
00:54:05Corner three.
00:54:06Thoughts no.
00:54:08Rebound.
00:54:09Linsode inside and kicked up by Shannon.
00:54:11Off to the races.
00:54:12On the wing.
00:54:13Edwards with the ball.
00:54:14And doubled again.
00:54:16You've seen a lot of blitzing.
00:54:17Shannon athletic pass.
00:54:19Corner.
00:54:19And some McDaniels missed three.
00:54:21And Champagny with the rebound.
00:54:23And again, making the right play.
00:54:25Swing and McDaniels struggling from the three.
00:54:27Shot 41% from three during the regular season.
00:54:31Reed a fourth foul.
00:54:35Unless they took one away.
00:54:37Reed's got three.
00:54:38They did.
00:54:38They changed a foul earlier.
00:54:40That is number three on Naz Reed.
00:54:46And Kessel will be at the line.
00:54:50Stephon Kessel has a knack like a seasoned vet.
00:54:53In getting to the free throw line.
00:54:55He doesn't run away from physicality as you look at that body.
00:55:0084% playoff free throw shooter puts it in.
00:55:03Kessel with seven assists.
00:55:05Stay tuned for the half presented by AT&T with our terrific studio crew of Taylor, Dirk, Steve, Udonis, and
00:55:13Blake.
00:55:14Coming up next here on Prime.
00:55:16We're talking about the Knicks three-zip on the Sixers in that best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal.
00:55:24McDaniels has the ball.
00:55:25A minute to go in the second.
00:55:27The way the game began, you thought it would be a disaster.
00:55:30Here comes Edwards.
00:55:31Flies in for two.
00:55:33Edwards has got 19.
00:55:38Quick decision right there by Anthony Edwards.
00:55:41Fox will answer.
00:55:42As Fox get down there in the paint and use that body to score.
00:55:46But quick decision right there by Anthony Edwards.
00:55:47Not allowed for the defense to get set.
00:55:49Not allowed for Wendy to come over.
00:55:51Going quick on that.
00:55:52I really love that move for him.
00:55:54Edwards with the shell on him.
00:55:57Doubled by Wempanyama.
00:55:58Dosumu is in on the wing for Randall.
00:56:00Drives into Castle.
00:56:01Busts the ball.
00:56:02Turnover right there.
00:56:03He's been turning it over a lot.
00:56:05Wempanyama the other way.
00:56:11There is a difference in seven seconds.
00:56:14Game clock and shot clock winding down the first half.
00:56:16In this windy Fox pick and roll.
00:56:19Served them well in game two.
00:56:21Again.
00:56:23Fox has come a little bit alive.
00:56:26Started one for eight.
00:56:27Now three of ten with six points.
00:56:34It's Dosumu.
00:56:36Fox defends.
00:56:37It's the collision.
00:56:39McDaniels three.
00:56:41Got it.
00:56:43And a foul.
00:56:46Minnesota is tied.
00:56:49And a foul called on the Poion Castle.
00:56:52Let's see.
00:56:55It is.
00:56:59Watch this play.
00:57:00McDaniels knocks down the three.
00:57:03Randall.
00:57:04Looked like he might have hooked.
00:57:07Looked like he might have hooked.
00:57:08But the Spurs do not have a challenge.
00:57:11They don't have a challenge left.
00:57:13So the call on the floor is a foul.
00:57:16On Stephon Castle.
00:57:18On Julius Randall.
00:57:20McDaniels came in two tonight for Minnesota.
00:57:23Two of 21 in the playoffs.
00:57:25Two of 21 shooting threes.
00:57:28Tonight two of four.
00:57:29And the best way to do it is continue to stick with what got you there.
00:57:33In the regular season 41% career best.
00:57:36You got to shoot your way out.
00:57:38You got to take the shots that come to you.
00:57:40The anthem blinked.
00:57:42After the good basket we have a foul on Castle.
00:57:45The play is being reviewed.
00:57:51And no review.
00:57:53Kevin you said Jaden hasn't blinked.
00:57:55He hasn't changed his facial expression.
00:57:57I know.
00:57:58He doesn't say a lot.
00:57:59He doesn't show a lot.
00:58:01Except when he's on the floor.
00:58:03As you can see them grapple right there.
00:58:06You talk about experience.
00:58:08Randall knows exactly how to get the call.
00:58:12Against Stephon Castle.
00:58:14Yeah.
00:58:14I just.
00:58:15If I was a ref.
00:58:15I would have just looked at them both.
00:58:17And just did this.
00:58:17Get up.
00:58:18Go to the locker room.
00:58:20It's just two guys down there.
00:58:21Just.
00:58:22You could call it both ways.
00:58:25If you look right there.
00:58:26You can kind of call it both ways.
00:58:27I would have just looked at both of them.
00:58:28And say go to the locker room.
00:58:29Let's get to the next half.
00:58:41Timberwolves won game one by two.
00:58:44Lost game two by 38.
00:58:46And trailed here early by 15 in the opening minutes of the game.
00:58:51And then they shifted gears.
00:58:53They began to attack.
00:58:55And the speed was running downhill like we've talked about.
00:58:59which was by design one of the many reasons why they got back in this one.
00:59:04And when Benyama went out.
00:59:06Yeah.
00:59:06And that's when Minnesota settled into this game.
00:59:10Cashed in.
00:59:10Started being able to get defensive stops which allowed them to play downhill and get to the rim.
00:59:16Which then encouraged them to move the ball on the offensive end.
00:59:19And that's how they got back in this game.
00:59:21And we talk so much about offense.
00:59:24You can't win a game without it.
00:59:25But both of these games.
00:59:27And both of these as Tony Brothers give us.
00:59:30After review the three point shot is good.
00:59:33The contact after the three point shot was ruled as incidental.
00:59:38And it actually happened after the expiration of time.
00:59:41So therefore it's halftime.
00:59:42So like I said.
00:59:43That's it.
00:59:43Yep.
00:59:44Let's go to the locker room.
00:59:45We're going tied in game three.
00:59:48The winner of game three.
00:59:50NBA playoff history.
00:59:51Has gone on to win 73% of the series.
00:59:55So it's very clear cut.
00:59:58The importance of this one.
01:00:00The series is tied.
01:00:01We're going to play.
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