In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman sits down with Dan Radke, founder of the Radke Basketball Academy, to break down a wild week in Timberwolves basketball. The guys dive deep into the Wolves’ gritty Game 6 victory over the Denver Nuggets, highlighting the defensive masterclass from Jaden McDaniels and the "legacy" impact of Rudy Gobert.

The conversation then shifts to the next challenge: a high-stakes series against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Steve and Dan debate how the Wolves’ rotation might shift to account for Wemby’s size, the importance of getting the "shorthanded" bench to step up, and the status of Anthony Edwards’ health.

Finally, Dan opens up about his "passion project," the Radke Basketball Academy. He shares the personal journey of turning 40 and deciding to turn his love for hoops into a career focused on teaching young players the essential fundamentals of the game—from footwork to shooting form.

Highlights include:

• Game 6 Takeaways: How the Wolves overcame the odds to shut down Jokic and Murray.
• The "Wemby" Factor: Strategic adjustments needed for the Spurs series and the battle in the paint.
• Roster Depth: The emergence of Terrence Shannon Jr. and the "gritty" contributions of Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark.
• Radke Basketball Academy: Why Dan believes the "basics" are the secret to elite-level play. https://www.radkebasketballacademy.com/

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In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, Steve Hartman covers everything from AAU, a look back at the 90s and early 2000s for inspiration and the college basketball transfer portal

Featured Interview: Andrew Wiener & West Central United

Our main segment features a deep dive into youth basketball with Andrew Wiener, Director of the West Central United AAU program based in Alexandria. Andrew pulls back the curtain on the "mystery" of AAU basketball, explaining how the circuit has evolved from an exclusive club for elite players into an inclusive environment for any player looking to improve their game. We discuss the unique logistical challenges of operating in Greater Minnesota, including how the program utilizes midpoint practice locations like Perham and Fergus Falls to support families traveling from across the northern part of the state. Andrew also shares his coaching philosophy of playing "the right way"—a ball-movement-heavy style inspired by the early 2000s San Antonio Spurs—and reflects on how the "Steph Curry effect" has led to a dramatic increase in shooting skill and athleticism among today's high school players.

Timberwolves Game 5 Breakdown

Before the interview, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Timberwolves' tough Game 5 loss in Denver. We analyze the 25 turnovers that stifled the Wolves' rhythm and discuss the dominance of Nikola Jokic, whose 16 assists allowed the Nuggets' role players to find their stride in transition.

Transfer Portal & Local D1 News

To close out the show, we look at the latest roster moves for the Minnesota Gophers and St. Thomas Tommies. Steve discusses the Gophers' high level of continuity with five returning players, including Isaac Osma and Bobby Durkin, and breaks down the potential impact of key portal additions like Winters Grady and Nolan Groves.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a dominant 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. But as the old saying goes, "to whom much is given, much is required"—and the Wolves paid a heavy price at the Target Center.

Steve is joined by friend and fellow Wolves fanatic Jon Schley to break it all down.

• The Injury Report: We break down the devastating loss of Donte DiVincenzo and the status of Anthony Edwards. Steve shares the latest updates on Ant's hyperextended knee, which thankfully shows no ligament damage but will likely sideline him for multiple weeks with a bone bruise.
• The Ayo Dosunmu Masterclass: With the stars sidelined, Ayo stepped into the void and dropped an "all-time" 43-point performance. We look at his incredible efficiency—5-for-5 from deep and 12-for-12 from the line—and how his downhill aggression is exactly what Denver can't stop.
• The Buzzer Fireworks: Jaden McDaniels scores a layup with one second left, and Nikola Jokić absolutely loses his cool. We discuss the ejections, the "villain era" of Jaden, and whether the Wolves are in the Nuggets' heads.
• The Big Talker: We dive into the legacy debate of the decade. Who ranks higher on their respective all-time list: Nikola Jokić as an offensive engine or Rudy Gobert as a defensive anchor?. We compare them against legends like Oscar Robertson, Pete Maravich, Michael Jordan, Draymond Green, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman to find the answer.

Listen now for the full breakdown of the most chaotic win in recent Wolves history!

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The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't just take a 2-1 series lead in Game 3—they physically dictated the terms of the matchup. In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, we break down the 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets through a tactical coaching lens.

Joining the show is Derek Long (AKA Croonch), host of the SideLine Vibes Podcast and a fellow coach who breathes the game. We dive deep into the X’s and O’s of how Minnesota navigated Denver’s zone defense to put up a staggering 68 points in the paint and why the Wolves' speed is becoming a problem the Nuggets simply can’t solve.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Jaden McDaniels Factor: How Jaden "swallowed up" Jamal Murray and fueled the team by backing up his pre-game talk. Similarly Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves rendered Nikola Jokic human by holding him to 7-for-26 FG and only 3 assists.
• Zone Breakers: Analyzing the adjustments that allowed the Wolves to hit the gaps and attack the rim with high efficiency.
• The "Iffy" Moments: Why focus wavered during non-Jokic minutes and the importance of cleaning up second-chance points.
• Changing the Narrative: Derek shares his mission to bring a new level of optimism and coaching-based analysis to Minnesota sports fandom.
• Looking Ahead: Why physical dominance worked against Denver, but "winning smart" and attention to detail will be the keys to surviving the Western Conference gauntlet.

Whether you're looking for deep statistical analysis or a coach's perspective on the playoff grind, this episode covers how the Wolves are evolving into a legitimate Western Conference powerhouse.

Follow the Guest: Derek Long on Instagram: @Croonch Check out the SideLine Vibes Podcast: youtube.com/@SidelineVibesShow

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In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Minnesota Timberwolves' gritty 119-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at 1-1. We dive deep into a "Plus-Minus" analysis of the performance, highlighting the tactical shifts and individual efforts that allowed the Wolves to reclaim momentum as the series heads back to Target Center.

The Plus: Winning Basketball

• Physical Tone-Setting: Julius Randle’s decisive 24-point performance and aggressive early mindset set the temperature for a successful bounce-back game.
• Elite Ball Movement: The offense hummed with 30 assists on 43 made field goals—nearly 70% of baskets—showing a massive improvement in flow over Game 1.
• Dominating the Glass: A relentless effort on the offensive boards led to a staggering 20-3 advantage in second-chance points.
• The Twin Turbos & Bench Spark: Bones Hyland and Ayo Dosunmu provided the "Turbo" energy off the bench, combining with Naz Reid to outpace Denver’s second unit.
• The Soul of the Game: Donte DiVincenzo’s "winning plays," including back-taps and a critical late-game triple, provided the essential energy needed to seal the win.

The Minus: Areas of Concern

• Defensive Discipline: Mental lapses led to multiple fouls on jump shooters and uncontrolled, late closeouts.
• Focus Fails: Giving up a dunk immediately after a made free throw and losing focus during a 19-point comeback highlighted dangerous lapses in concentration.
• Lost Momentum: A late 1st half lull let Denver regain momentum after the Murray halfcourt shot tied the game. The Wolves had controlled the 2nd quarter until poor shot selection and a couple lapses allowed the Nuggets to capture the momentum heading into halftime.

The Game 3 Blueprint: Keys to a 2-1 LeadLooking ahead to Thursday night, the Wolves must refine their strategy to protect home court:

• Controlled Closeouts: Shifting from frantic reactions to disciplined, high-hand closeouts to take away the three without fouling.
• Defensive Awareness: Anthony Edwards and the backside defenders must eliminate "napping" to prevent Jokic from exploiting cutters.
• Hunting the Stars: Continued pressure on Jokic and Murray—both on the defensive end and by pounding the offensive glass—to ensure the Nuggets' stars remain gassed in the fourth quarter.

Subscribe to the Splash City Basketball Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon, and follow us on Instagram, Blue Sky, and Facebook for more deep dives into the land of 10,000 lakes hoops.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves fell into a familiar trap in Game 1, showing flashes of brilliance followed by a lack of mental toughness and maturity. Host Steve Hartman breaks down why holding Denver to 116 points should have been a winning formula and how the Wolves let the game slip away through a "sticky" offense and constant complaining to the officials.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Rudy & Bench Bright Spots: Rudy Gobert looked every bit the four-time Defensive Player of the Year while guarding Nikola Jokic one-on-one. Plus, Steve likes the energy brought by Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu, who combined for 26 points and provided a much-needed defensive spark.
• The Jaden McDaniels Mystery: Jaden came out of the gates blazing with 10 first-quarter points, but then nearly vanished from the offense. We discuss the need for more consistent touches for the "X-Factor".
• The "Ant" Factor: Anthony Edwards was a perfect 5-for-5 at the rim but struggled everywhere else. Is his knee the reason he’s settling for contested jumpers, or is it a lack of focus?.
• Game 2 Blueprint: To head back to Minnesota tied 1-1, the Wolves must stop "chucking" and start punishing Denver’s lack of rim protection. Steve explores why more Kyle Anderson minutes and a "small and fast" lineup might be the key to breaking down the Nuggets' defense.

Can the Wolves find their offensive rhythm and level the series? Tune in for the full tactical breakdown!

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The NBA’s newest rivalry reaches its "WrestleMania" moment as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets prepare for their third playoff meeting in four years. Host Steve Hartman is joined by Andrew Dukowitz (Zone Coverage, Hitting the Hardwood) to break down every angle of this high-stakes first-round series.

With the playoff history between these two teams currently tied at one series apiece, this "rubber match" carries massive implications for both franchises. Steve and Andrew dive into the tactical chess match, the "legacy" stakes for the stars, and why the Wolves might thrive as heavy underdogs.

Key Discussion Points

• The Murray Blueprint: Will the Wolves start Jaden McDaniels on Jamal Murray, or will they lean on the "trifecta" of Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland to navigate the Denver backcourt?.
• The Rudy-Jokić Legacy Series: Is this the moment Rudy Gobert silences the critics? We discuss the philosophy of guarding Nikola Jokić—from "throwing the kitchen sink" at him to letting him score 50 while shutting down everyone else.
• Ant vs. The Nuggets Defense: Denver has historically struggled to slow down Anthony Edwards. With limited rim protection on the Nuggets' roster, can the Wolves’ offense turn this series into a "track meet"?.
• The X-Factors: Why Jaden McDaniels has "Scottie Pippen" potential in this series and how Ayo Dosunmu’s speed could punish Denver’s double-teams.
• Injury Reports & Rotations: The latest on Peyton Watson’s status for Denver and how his potential absence impacts the Nuggets' wing depth.
• Predictions: Andrew and Steve make their final calls on who advances in what feels like a coin-toss series.

About the Guest

Andrew Dukowitz covers the Timberwolves and Lynx for Zone Coverage and is the host of the Missing Wolves and Missing Links postgame podcast shows. You can find his work at Hitting the Hardwood and follow him on social media @adukemn.

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Steve Hartman returns to the Splash City Basketball Podcast to break down the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2025–26 regular season. After finishing with a record of 49-33—the exact same record as the previous season—the Wolves are heading to the "Mile High City" to face the Denver Nuggets for the third time in four years.

In this episode, Steve explores whether the team is plateauing or simply pacing itself for the postseason. He hands out final grades for the team and individual players, including:

• Overall Season Grade: C+.
• Anthony Edwards: C+. While 3rd in the league in scoring and elite in the clutch, his defensive intensity showed a noticeable drop-off.
• Jaden McDaniels: B. Despite a late-season tail-off, his 41% shooting from deep was a major bright spot.
• The Roster Shake-up: Grades for the mid-season acquisition of Ayo Dosunmu (B+) and the veteran stabilizing presence of Kyle "SlowMo" Anderson (B-).
• Veteran Watch: Analysis of Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert as they battle the effects of "Father Time" heading into a physical playoff series.

The discussion also dives into the team's statistical identity, finishing 8th in defensive rating and 10th in offensive rating. Steve breaks down why health should have been the Wolves' biggest advantage this year, losing the second-fewest "wins" to injury in the league.

Finally, we preview the first-round matchup against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. Can Anthony Edwards find his defensive gear in time for the playoffs?

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