In this episode of the NBA Squad Show West, hosts dive into the Western Conference landscape. They discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominance and their potential to win the NBA championship. The conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets' defensive struggles and their chances against the Los Angeles Lakers in a potential playoff matchup. The hosts also explore the Phoenix Suns' recent performances and the Minnesota Timberwolves' intriguing playoff potential. The episode concludes with a debate...
Mar 11, 2025•35 min•Ep 2145•Transcript available on Metacast Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch went back to his preferred starting lineup last time out with veterans Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert. However, the lineups with Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid in them have performed better over the course of the season. Will that impact Finch's rotation decisions moving forward? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores the DiVincenzo + Reid pairing compared to the Conley + Gobert pairing. Also, what have the best lineups with Julius Randle been this season? Las...
Mar 11, 2025•33 min•Ep 2144•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves won their fifth game in a row with a 3-point shooting barrage and a well-rounded offensive attack. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down how the Wolves put up an efficient 141 points and put the San Antonio Spurs away in the fourth quarter. Julius Randle had another near-triple-double, Jaden McDaniels was great once again, and Anthony Edwards was efficient and scored 25 points on 15 shots without playing in the final frame. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In ...
Mar 10, 2025•29 min•Ep 2143•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves won their fifth in a row tonight verses the San Antonio Spurs. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Mar 10, 2025•30 min•Ep 2142•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves held on after late game dramatics for their 4th win in a row verses the Miami Heat. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for their instant reaction and recap after the game.
Mar 08, 2025•31 min•Ep 2141•Transcript available on Metacast Jaden McDaniels' recent improvement has truly been across the board -- he's gotten better in nearly every single category this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) dives into what's been most impressive about his growth, and what adjustments have been made defensively that may feed into his ascending offensive game. Plus, a preview of the Wolves' matchup against the Miami Heat. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage d...
Mar 07, 2025•30 min•Ep 2140•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves notched their third straight win as they leaned on a near-triple-double from Julius Randle, a big scoring night from Jaden McDaniels, and another strong game by Anthony Edwards to dominate the Charlotte Hornets. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the performances of the Wolves' leading trio. Plus, some of the. issues that allowed the Hornets to hang around for most of the night -- defensive rebounding and paint defense -- continue to be problems that crop up regularly...
Mar 06, 2025•29 min•Ep 2139•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves won their third game in a row after beating the Charlotte Hornets. Jayden McDaniels and Julius Randle led the way with 54-points combined. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and breakdown after the game.
Mar 06, 2025•31 min•Ep 2138•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves struggled offensively early in the game against an inferior Philadelphia 76ers team, but a late flurry of three-pointers led by Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker put away the Sixers for good. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Wolves' early struggles, including Anthony Edwards' impact on the offensive issues. Also, a strong performance for the Timberwolves' bench unit. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team...
Mar 05, 2025•28 min•Ep 2137•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves won their second game in a row thanks to a flurry of three-pointers verses the Philadelphia 76ers.. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Mar 05, 2025•29 min•Ep 2136•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Locked On NBA Squad Show West, hosts from various Western Conference teams discuss the best players and teams in the conference. They debate the merits of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic for best lead player, comparing their impacts and statistics. The conversation shifts to best supporting players, with names like Amen Thompson and Austin Reeves mentioned. The hosts also explore which teams might be overachieving or relying on "special effects," with Memphis and ...
Mar 05, 2025•36 min•Ep 2135•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves won in Julius Randle's first game in over a month. It's time to talk about what Randle brings to the table for the Wolves' offense and why his presence is so important for Chris Finch's group. Plus, are new lineup combinations coming now that the team is finally getting healthy? Lastly, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores the Wolves' upcoming matchups with the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop...
Mar 04, 2025•29 min•Ep 2134•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves trailed in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns but used a dominant stretch from Anthony Edwards en route to another 40-plus point game for the superstar as the Wolves surged past the Suns to land an important Western Conference win. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Ant's impressive performance, as well as the importance of Julius Randle's presence in the lineup. Plus, a huge game for Donte DiVincenzo off the bench in the victory. Your favorite podcast now has...
Mar 03, 2025•31 min•Ep 2133•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves looked fresh and crisp in their 116-98 victory verses the Phoenix Suns. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Mar 03, 2025•31 min•Ep 2132•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves lost their second in a row tonight to the Utah Jazz without Anthony Edwards. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Mar 01, 2025•29 min•Ep 2131•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves fell behind by 20-plus points once again, and once again made a comeback to get within a single possession late in the fourth quarter. This time, however, it was not enough. With Anthony Edwards ejected following a second technical foul, the Wolves' offense simply didn't have enough firepower. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what went wrong for the Wolves, as well as what went right during their spirited mid-game comeback. Also, TJ Shannon's career-high in scoring ...
Feb 28, 2025•29 min•Ep 2130•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves ran out of gas despite erasing a 23-point lead by the Los Angeles Lakers. Ant suspended, Donte's return and Shannon continues to ball out. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and breakdown after the game.
Feb 28, 2025•32 min•Ep 2129•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves rewarded rookie standout Jaylen Clark with a standard, guaranteed contract, elevating him from a two-way deal. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) gives his draft night scouting report on Clark, plus what he's shown thus far as a professional to earn the contract. Plus, the Wolves signed former Nuggets and Clippers guard Bones Hyland to back-fill the open two-way slot. Why was Hyland a fit to fill that role? Finally, a preview of the Wolves matchup against Luka Doncic and the Los ...
Feb 27, 2025•30 min•Ep 2128•Transcript available on Metacast Jaden McDaniels has been a big reason the Minnesota Timberwolves' offense has not only weathered the storm in the absence of Julius Randleo, Donte DiVincenzo, and now Rudy Gobert, but has actually shown signs of improvement. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the increase in volume and adjusted shot distribution for McDaniels over the last few weeks. Plus, a continued shift in the Wolves' overall team offense, and a look at some of the memorable games the Wolves have played in OKC against the T...
Feb 26, 2025•33 min•Ep 2127•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s NBA West Squad Show focuses on the Lakers' recent success with Luka Doncic, the Nuggets' winning streak, and the Thunder's impressive performance. The hosts analyze how the Lakers' new lineup impacts their playoff prospects and debate the legitimacy of the Nuggets' recent wins. They also explore the Thunder's defensive prowess and potential matchups against top teams. The conversation shifts to the struggling Phoenix Suns, discussing their questionable trades and management decisions. Th...
Feb 26, 2025•32 min•Ep 2126•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves trailed by 24 points in the fourth quarter and by 16 with under four minutes to play, but a lineup led by rookies TJ Shannon and Rob Dillingham and leaning on Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels surged past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder for a memorable win. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why this was one of Chris Finch's best coaching performances, as well as Anthony Edwards' contributions despite an off night. Also, thoughts on the Wolves' defens...
Feb 25, 2025•35 min•Ep 2125•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves tied a franchise record for largest comeback after trailing 25-points to the Thunder in a shocking upset win. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap.
Feb 25, 2025•34 min•Ep 2124•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves came back from a large early deficit to lead the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was outstanding down the stretch while the Wolves' offense stalled. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what went right for the Wolves to come back and give OKC a run for their money despite missing three members of the starting lineup, as well as what went wrong down the stretch as SGA and the Thunder pulled away. Your favorite podcast now h...
Feb 24, 2025•28 min•Ep 2123•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves put up a respectable fight but ran out of steam at the end verses Oklahoma City Thunder. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
Feb 24, 2025•32 min•Ep 2122•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves start the second half of their season on the road with a loss to the Houston Rockets. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and breakdown after the game.
Feb 22, 2025•31 min•Ep 2121•Transcript available on Metacast It's time to make bold Minnesota Timberwolves predictions for the final 26 games of the regular season. From final win total, seeding in the Western Conference, Anthony Edwards's scoring average, and Chris Finch's rotation, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) gives four predictions for the Wolves' post-All-Star schedule. Plus, a preview of Friday night's Wolves-Rockets matchup. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sign u...
Feb 21, 2025•29 min•Ep 2120•Transcript available on Metacast Time to break down the best and worst elements of the Minnesota Timberwolves' season at the All-Star Break -- what has gone better than expected and what has been a disappointment? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) is joined by Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) of Zone Coverage to discuss. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Ready f...
Feb 20, 2025•36 min•Ep 2119•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves fought through plenty of early-season struggles thanks to the performance of their bench trio: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) hands out mid-season grades to each of them based on their individual performances relative to expectations. Is there a chance that Naz Reid defends his Sixth Man of the Year award? Is DiVincenzo turning back into the player he was in a New York Knicks uniform? Also, thoughts on some of the youn...
Feb 19, 2025•29 min•Ep 2118•Transcript available on Metacast The NBA Squad Show brings together hosts from various Western Conference teams to discuss progress and expectations. They analyze which teams have made the most strides towards their goals, with Memphis and Oklahoma City emerging as top contenders. The hosts debate the challenges facing teams like Houston and Minnesota in the competitive Western landscape. They also explore the delicate balance between financial constraints and maintaining a competitive roster, particularly for small-market team...
Feb 19, 2025•34 min•Ep 2117•Transcript available on Metacast The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a relatively disappointing season to date, and it's reflected in the first round of midseason player grades. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels were the only Wolves starters to land grades above a 'B,' while the three veteran starters from the Opening Day lineup all have struggled. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why McDaniels gets the best grade, and what about Ant's season has been most encouraging. Plus, Randle's importance to the Wolves' offense and C...
Feb 18, 2025•32 min•Ep 2116•Transcript available on Metacast 
