Karl-Anthony Towns had another All-Star season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was versatile and effective on both ends of the floor, but there are areas in which he could improve his efficiency and overall impact. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what went right for KAT in 2023-24, as well as where there could be improvement for the Wolves' start big man. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post...
Jun 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1886
Rudy Gobert won his fourth career Defensive Player of the Year award in his second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he absolutely deserved it. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down where Gobert improved the most in his second campaign with the Wolves after a ho-hum first season. Also, responding to the unfounded criticism around Gobert following his playoff performance. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk...
Jun 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1885
Jaden McDaniels continues to improve overall, but there is plenty of room for improvement on the offensive side of the ball for the Minnesota Timberwolves forward. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down McDaniels' season, which led to an All-Defensive Second Team nod. While the defense was again stellar, McDaniels regressed in a couple of key areas. Some subtle improvement could rapidly improve his overall offensive output and allow him to help the Wolves in new and different ways. Support Us By Su...
Jun 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1884
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an ownership kerfuffle, an expensive roster, and several free agents to decide on. Plus, Karl-Anthony Towns' future looms once again. Our panel of experts discusses it all on the Minnesota Basketball Party. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA . Terms and conditions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHel...
Jun 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 1883
Naz Reid turned in a breakout year en route to winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, and Mike Conley earned a contract extension in his first full year with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) reviews each of their individual seasons, including what they did best and the areas in which they each were most important to the Wolves. Also, both players earned recent extensions; what are their futures in Minnesota? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps...
Jun 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1882
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson each played a big part in the success of this year's Minnesota Timberwolves, and especially in contributing to the Wolves' top-ranked defense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) gives a season review of each player, including the difference between Slo-Mo's first and second seasons in Minnesota. Plus, what Nickeil Alexander-Walker did best this year and one area in which an incremental improvement could go a long way. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedI...
Jun 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1881
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't have a consistent answer at backup point guard this year, and both Monte Morris and Jordan McLaughlin are free agents. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) debates if either player is the answer and what the Wolves may be searching for in such a role. Plus, a review of the season for both Morris and McLaughlin and what might be next for each of them. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, fas...
Jun 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1880
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is reportedly joining the Marc Lore-Alex Rodriguez side of the Minnesota Timberwolves ownership group. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) evaluates the potential impact on the overall transaction and the future of the Wolves. Also, could last year's top draft pick, Leonard Miller, have a shot at landing a rotation role, and possibly the one vacated by Kyle Anderson. Lastly, a review of T.J. Warren's tenure with the Timberwolves. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn ...
Jun 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1879
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be getting Jaylen Clark back from injury next year. Could either Clark or Josh Minott earn a rotation spot? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down each player's intriguing skill set as the Wolves prepare to lose Kyle Anderson and both of their backup point guards in free agency. What tools would Clark or Minott bring to the table? Also, reviewing Year Two for former first-round pick Wendell Moore Jr. and considering his future with the team. Support Us By Supporting ...
Jun 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1878
The Minnesota Timberwolves are six days into their offseason, and there is already news to report with president Tim Connelly signing a new agreement. Will the Wolves be running it back next year? Sam Ekstrom, Ron Johnson, Reggie Wilson and Jack Borman react. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA . Terms and conditions apply. BetterHelp This episode is s...
Jun 05, 2024•49 min•Ep. 1877
Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly has reportedly agreed to a restructured contract that ensures he'll be with the team next season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the deal and what it may or may not mean for the future, as well as the ties between the deal and the Wolves' ownership saga. Also, the offseason roster review begins with a look at two of the Wolves' two-way contract players from this season, Luka Garza and Daishen Nix. Support Us By Supportin...
Jun 05, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1876
The Minnesota Timberwolves will return 7 of their 8 rotation players from the playoffs this year, but will be over the second salary cap apron and will have to get creative to fill out their roster. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) details who is hitting the free agent market, what the Wolves will need to do to back-fill vacant roles, and what the Wolves might do with Kyle Anderson's spot in the rotation. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidate...
Jun 04, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1875
The Minnesota Timberwolves may have been bounced from the playoffs in disappointing fashion, but what positive things did their playoff run tell us about the team and what to expect this offseason? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the good from the playoff run, including thoughts on Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and the overall direction of the team. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job...
Jun 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1874
Luka Doncic came out firing with a massive first quarter as the Dallas Mavericks buried the Minnesota Timberwolves early en route to a series-clinching blowout win. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what happened, from Luka's brilliance to the Wolves' lack of a counter-punch. Also, more 3-point shooting woes contributed to consistent offensive issues, and Anthony Edwards didn't give them enough early in the game -- but it shouldn't detract from an incredible campaign from the Wolves' budding s...
May 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1873
The Minnesota Timberwolves season comes to a close at home against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks losing game five 124-103. Join Like Inman, Ben Beecken and Tyler Metcalf for the instant reaction and breakdown after the game. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-o...
May 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 1872
The Minnesota Timberwolves tweaked their defense and saw a more aggressive Anthony Edwards on offense in Game 4. They'll need more of that (plus some Dallas regression) to win in Game 5. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the defensive adjustments made by Chris Finch and the Wolves in Game 4, as well as what worked offensively that the Timberwolves need to duplicate in Game 5 and beyond. Also, why the Mavs are due for a bit of regression. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From ...
May 30, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1871
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 to extend the series to a Game 5. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards outplayed Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic to get the Wolves a win in Dallas. Sam Ekstrom, Jack Borman and Ron Johnson break it all down. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring...
May 30, 2024•47 min•Ep. 1870
The Minnesota Timberwolves saw Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns come through late in an elimination game against the Dallas Mavericks, forcing a Game 5 back at Target Center. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down more adjustments against Luka Doncic on defense, plus much-improved shot-making from both Ant and KAT, and a massive performance from Kyle Anderson. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to k...
May 29, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1869
The Minnesota Timberwolves set out to do the impossible and become the first team ever to come back from down three games in the playoffs, and they beat the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 with a near triple-double from Anthony Edwards and huge bounce back game from Karl-Anthony Towns. Join Luke Inman, Sam Ekstrom and Andrew Dukowitz after the game for the instant reaction and breakdown. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 ...
May 29, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1868
The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in an 0-3 hole in the Western Conference Finals; what have the Dallas Mavericks done to win every game of the series thus far, and how can the Wolves turn things around quickly? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses the brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, including how the Mavs' coaching staff has outperformed Minnesota's. Plus, potential adjustments for the Wolves in Game 4 and a discussion about Karl-Anthony Towns's struggles in the series. Suppor...
May 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1867
The Minnesota Timberwolves again held a late lead and once again ended up losing to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks; now find themselves in an 0-3 hole in the Western Conference Finals. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down another disappointing loss, from the incredible performances by Doncic and Kyrie Irving to more struggles from the Wolves stars. Also, a big Kyle Anderson game and some questionable coaching decisions down the stretch from Chris Finch and his staff. Support Us By Supportin...
May 27, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1866
The Minnesota Timberwolves went ice cold and unraveled in the final minutes in Dallas versus the Mavericks in game three. Join Luke Inman and Andrew Dukowitz for the instant breakdown and reaction following the game. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at ...
May 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1865
The Minnesota Timberwolves blew an 18-point lead as Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks steal game two. Join Luke Inman and Sam Ekstrom for the immediate breakdown and reaction following the game. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com . El...
May 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1864
The Minnesota Timberwolves have some minor adjustments to make with both their game plan and execution heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why the defensive strategy against Luka Doncic was close to what they were hoping to achieve, but minor tweaks -- and better execution -- is needed. It's a similar story on the offensive end, where the Wolves did some things well but must be better in Game 2. Support Us By Supp...
May 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1863
Luka Doncic took over late as the Minnesota Timberwolves ran out of gas and fell to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses Luka's greatness, as well as the late-game execution issues that plagued the Wolves in the loss. Also, Anthony Edwards's confounding performance (and apparent fatigue), Jaden McDaniels turning in another stellar showing, and the Wolves' role players largely outplaying the Mavs'. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors...
May 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1862
The Minnesota Timberwolves are down 1-0 in the Western Conference Finals after falling 108-105 to the Dallas Mavericks. Kyrie Irving led the first half and Luke Doncic brought it home for Dallas while Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were fairly quiet. Sam Ekstrom hosts the instant reaction on Locked On Sports Minnesota with Ben Beecken. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Yahoo Finance For comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFina...
May 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1861
Off a thrilling Game 7 win against the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves shift their focus to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals. Sam Ekstrom hosts along with a panel of Ron Johnson, Reggie Wilson, and Jack Borman to celebrate the Timberwolves' huge series win. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Yahoo Finance For comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com . LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qual...
May 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 1860
Why will guarding Luka Doncic be that much more difficult than the other challenges that the Minnesota Timberwolves defense has faced thus far in the playoffs? Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) of Locked On Mavs joins Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) in Part Two of a series preview. Plus, what do we need to know about the post-trade-deadline Mavericks, and is their defense for real? What should Wolves fans be concerned about when it comes to facing off against the Mavs? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ...
May 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 1859
Anthony Edwards's game has grown in multiple areas, and slowing him down will be a significant challenge for the Dallas Mavericks. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) is joined by Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) to talk about the Minnesota Timberwolves' matchup with the Dallas Mavericks from a Mavs perspective: where Anthony Edwards has grown the most and why Rudy Gobert has been so impactful in the playoffs. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Yahoo Finance For comprehensive financial news and analysis, vi...
May 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1858
The Minnesota Timberwolves trailed by 15 points at halftime and as many as 20 points early in the third quarter but fought back to defeat the Denver Nuggets and advance to the Western Conference Finals. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Wolves' comeback, including Anthony Edwards's defense, Naz Reid coming up big, and another massive Jaden McDaniels game. Plus, Karl-Anthony Towns continuing his strong playoff run. Next up: the Dallas Mavericks. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Yahoo ...
May 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1857
