The Minnesota Timberwolves have only played four games so far, which means that there's enough data for some serious overreactions. But also, what's notable about their early season shooting stats and trends? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what the numbers are saying through the first week and a half, and which trends might be quickly reversed. Also, a preview of the Wolves' matchup with the Denver Nuggets and how they may try and handle Nikola Jokic. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1990
The Minnesota Timberwolves have allowed a higher rate of transition opportunities to opponents than any other team in the league through the first week of the season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the biggest issues surrounding the transition woes, as well as the Wolves failing to find opportunities for their own offense to score in transition. Plus, more lineup discussion, including Julius Randle with and without Anthony Edwards. Will we start seeing more of Julius Randle at the center sp...
Oct 31, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1989
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference Finals rematch. Anthony Edwards is off to a great start to the year, but Mike Conley is struggling. Plus, what do our guys think of the bench rotation? Get the best Wolves analysis on The Minnesota Basketball Party. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? ...
Oct 31, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1988
The Minnesota Timberwolves won most of the box score against the Dallas Mavericks, but 20 turnovers and lackadaisical transition defense was enough to lose the game. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the defensive woes in the open floor and on the secondary break, as well as the overall lapses on the perimeter. Offensively, the Wolves shot the ball well -- but the turnovers mounted far too quickly. Also: Anthony Edwards's 24-point first quarter was wasted in the loss. Support Us By Supporting ...
Oct 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1987
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks in a western conference finals rematch tonight at the Target Center. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Oct 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1986
The Minnesota Timberwolves offense is off to a good start this season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what has stood out the most so far, and where the Wolves go from here. Plus, digging into head coach Chris Finch's rotation so far, and how the Wolves may try to slow down Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in tonight's rematch of the Western Conference Finals. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off y...
Oct 29, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1985
The Minnesota Timberwolves won their home opener over the Toronto Raptors behind a dominant Rudy Gobert performance. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what was most impressive about Gobert's performance, plus, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle dropped 24 points apiece and the Wolves were able to hold on after building a 20-plus point lead in the second half. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspect...
Oct 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1984
The Minnesota Timberwolves notched their first victory of the season against the Sacramento Kings as Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards both had big nights to carry the offense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what each player did that was so impressive and then discusses the Timberwolves' defensive adjustments late in the game that helped secure the win. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspectiv...
Oct 25, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1983
Rudy Gobert's new contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves is making waves in the NBA. With a 3-year, $110 million deal, Gobert's move provides cost certainty for the Timberwolves through 2028. But what does this mean for the team's future? Plus, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores the biggest issues from their game against the Lakers, where offensive flow and effort in rebounding and transition defense were lacking -- and why those are concerns heading into tonight's matchup against the ...
Oct 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1981
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell 110-103 to the Los Angeles Lakers in an ugly opening effort with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo making their debuts. Anthony Edwards had a big game, but it wasn't enough to counteract Anthony Davis's masterpiece. Do the Timberwolves already miss Karl-Anthony Towns? Hear from Sam Ekstrom, Reggie Wilson and Ron Johnson on today's Minnesota Basketball Party. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national ...
Oct 24, 2024•44 min•Ep. 1980
The Minnesota Timberwolves came out flat in their season opener, falling to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers. The offense was stagnant, the defense was sluggish, and the result was exactly what the Wolves deserved. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down exactly what happened, from an uneven Julius Randle debut to Anthony Edwards dragging along the Wolves' offense and more Jaden McDaniels foul trouble. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season...
Oct 23, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1979
The Minnesota Timberwolves kickoff the new season on the west coast verses Lebron James and The Los Angeles Lakers. Join Luke Inman and Sam Ekstrom immediately following the game for the instant reaction and recap.
Oct 23, 2024•43 min•Ep. 1978
The Minnesota Timberwolves open their season against the Los Angeles Lakers, which means a game preview and a crossover episode with Locked On Lakers. Plus, the Wolves make a final roster decision and Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) makes a season win total prediction. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support U...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 1977
Julius Randle will be a key part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting lineup, but what do the Wolves need him to provide on both ends of the floor? Plus, what will Jaden McDaniels' offensive role be this season? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what Randle will bring to the table, including his impact as a secondary playmaker and in transition. Also, the two areas in which the Wolves will need McDaniels to improve this season. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, wher...
Oct 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1976
The Minnesota Timberwolves rested their rotation players in the preseason finale, giving their young players -- Josh Minott, Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark -- an opportunity to shine. Plus, a whopping seven Wolves players made appearances in the ESPN Top 100 list. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks it all down, focusing on Minott's strong preseason continuing, Clark's defense, and the travesty of Rudy Gobert being ranked too low in all of the player ranking lists. For your next l...
Oct 18, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1975
Julius Randle had a strong Minnesota Timberwolves debut and Josh Minott continued his preseason tear as the Wolves lost a close contest to the Chicago Bulls. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Randle's performance as well as notable rotation changes for head coach Chris Finch. Will Rob Dillingham be part of the regular rotation on Opening Night? Has Minott earned a spot in the rotation? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national exp...
Oct 17, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1974
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a new-look rotation, with Donte DiVincenzo joining reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid off the bench. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores how head coach Chris Finch will deploy both players: will they each have a chance to play crunchtime minutes off the bench? How often will DiVincenzo and Reid play alongside Anthony Edwards? What will the frontcourt rotation look like with Reid, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA p...
Oct 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1973
The Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves all deserve to be in the conversation for the best in the Western Conference. Did the Nuggets window close or should they still be considered a favorite? Are the Suns supposed to be in this conversation or should they be sitting with the middle of the conference? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HIMS Hims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatmen...
Oct 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1971
What will Minnesota Timberwolves' rookie Rob Dillingham's role be to start the season? Also, what will the Wolves be relying on Joe Ingles and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to provide off the bench? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) previews all three players, with a focus on how the Donte DiVincenzo acquisition impacts the bench rotation, and specifically, what head coach Chris Finch will want to get out of Dillingham. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends prov...
Oct 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1972
Anthony Edwards went off and Donte DiVincenzo continued his strong preseason in the Minnesota Timberwolves game at the New York Knicks. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down a fun preseason matchup, including key notes on Chris Finch's rotation: what is Rob Dillingham's role? What about Joe Ingles? What will the end of the rotation look like once we get into the regular season? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with ...
Oct 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1970
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a fairly clear top eight or nine players in their rotation. How can rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. or 21-year-old Josh Minott crack into the rotation? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down potential roles for Shannon and Minott and what they can bring to the table for the Wolves this season -- namely, energy and defense. Plus, what Luka Garza's new role is for the Timberwolves now that he's on a guaranteed deal. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast...
Oct 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1969
Believe it or not, a pair of ESPN projections (Kevin Pelton's and Basketball Power Index) agree that the Minnesota Timberwolves are in line for a better season following the Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo trade. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why that's the case, and why the Wolves' defense shouldn't decline in the same way that Kevin Pelton's projections seem to think they will. Plus, previewing the end of the roster, including Keita Bates-Diop, Leonard Miller, and PJ Dozier. For your ...
Oct 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1968
The annual GM Survey on NBA.com painted a rosy picture for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including a projected second-place finish in the Western Conference and several positive mentions of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and head coach Chris Finch. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why it's good to be wary of the GM's predictions. Plus, analysis surrounding all of the Ant, Rudy, and Finch mentions -- not to mention some of the newcomers. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, ...
Oct 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1967
In the wake of last week's big trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to make a roster decision. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses the Wolves' options, as well as which player is most likely to be cut. Plus, previewing camp contract signees and two-way players: Eugene Omoruyi, Skylar Mays, Daishen Nix, Jesse Edwards, and Jaylen Clark. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to li...
Oct 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1966
The Minnesota Timberwolves impressed with their depth in an easy preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers behind efficient scoring from Josh Minott and an impressive debut by rookie Rob Dillingham. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why the Wolves' depth was so impactful, as well as what was best about the performances from both Minott and Dillingham, as well as Luka Garza. Also, what was noticeable about Chris Finch's rotation. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where ...
Oct 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1965
The Minnesota Timberwolves offense lagged behind their defense last year, but there are some areas in which they could find some quick improvement. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores each of those places, plus how newcomer Julius Randle will help the Wolves' offense overall. Also, a preview of the Wolves' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local p...
Oct 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1964
Despite trading away Karl-Anthony Towns, ESPN's Kevin Pelton's trade grade for the Minnesota Timberwolves after the blockbuster with the New York Knicks was surprisingly positive. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Pelton's analysis, including the Wolves' improved depth with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Plus, DiVincenzo's impact on the Wolves' defensive options, as well as Chris FInch's media day comments regarding areas for improvement within the Timberwolves offense. For your next list...
Oct 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1963
Julius Randle comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves after having played alongside several centers in his time with the New York Knicks that were of a similar archetype as Rudy Gobert. How did Randle fair in those pairings and how does it compare with the Wolves' old Karl-Anthony Towns lineups? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down last year's Knicks and Wolves lineups and what it may look like this year with Randle on this year's Timberwolves, plus how the overall rotation could look given Randle's ...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1962
Evaluating three positives that should come from the Minnesota Timberwolves trade for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, from what each player can bring to the Wolves offense and what DiVincenzo could add to the defense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Randle's potential contributions on the offensive end and how each player will impact the depth and rotation. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local per...
Oct 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1961
In a crossover episode of Locked On Wolves and Locked On Knicks, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) and Alex Wolfe (@alexwolfe) break down the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, focusing on what KAT brings to the New York Knicks and what Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo bring to the Minnesota Timberwolves. How will the Knicks deploy Towns defensively? How will Randle fit on that end of the floor for the Wolves, and will the spacing work with Randle in the frontcourt with Rudy Gobert? For your next listen, check o...
Sep 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1960
