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.

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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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Michigan is back on top! In this live post-game reaction, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Wolverines' 69-63 victory over UConn to claim the 2026 National Championship. It was a gritty, defensive battle that saw Michigan overcome poor shooting with size, physicality, and clutch late-game execution.

We dive into how Dusty May led Michigan to their first title since 1989 and secured the Big Ten’s first national championship since 2000. Steve analyzes the key moments and players that defined this historic night, including:

• Clutch Under Pressure: Freshman McKenney's "stones" in the final minutes, hitting a critical three-pointer and icing the game at the free-throw line.
• The MOP: Elliott Cadeau controlling the game to earn Most Outstanding Player honors.
• Interior Dominance: How Michigan's size, led by 7'3" Aday Mara, stifled UConn’s offense and forced them into tough shots.
• The Coaching Matchup: Comparing Dusty May’s calm, prepared sideline demeanor to Danny Hurley’s high-energy theatrics.
• A "Minnesota Flavor": Celebrating local champions Will Tschetter (Stewartville) and Gianna Kneepkens (Duluth Marshall).
• Legacy and Dynasty: Assessing UConn's impressive run and the legend of Braylon Mullins' tournament-defining shot against Duke.

Finally, we look ahead to the immediate future of college basketball as the transfer portal opens officially tomorrow.

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Will the Big Ten drought finally end? On this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman breaks down a lopsided Final Four weekend that has set the stage for a historic Monday night in Indianapolis.

Steve dives into why UConn is the modern dynasty of the sport and how their "European-style" movement system left Illinois gassed in the semi-finals. Then, we look at the Michigan juggernaut—a team that just "smacked" Arizona despite their best player, Yaxel Lendeborg, being sidelined by fouls and injury. Steve explains why Michigan’s defensive flexibility and veteran "juice" make them his pick to take home the 2026 title.

We also head to Phoenix to celebrate UCLA’s dominant Women’s National Championship run and discuss the controversial "short-circuiting" of Geno Auriemma after UConn’s undefeated season went up in flames vs Dawn Staley and South Carolina. Finally, we wrap up with some local Minnesota love for Tessa Johnson and Will Schetter, participants in this year's NCAA Men's & Women's Championships, a look at the Will Wade/LSU drama, and a grim "live look" at the injury-plagued Timberwolves.

Monday night determines it all—will the Huskies cement a dynasty, or will the Wolverines bring the trophy back to the Midwest?

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In this episode, Steve Hartman and guest Matt Askegaard dive into the changing identity of basketball at both the high school and collegiate levels. They explore the resurgence of "Bully Ball"—a physical style of play focused on rim protection and glass dominance that is currently defining top-tier teams like UConn, Michigan, and Arizona.

Key topics include:

• The Underclassmen Takeover: A look at the "crazy" amount of underclassmen who led teams in the Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament, and how digital access to drills is accelerating player development.
• Tactical Daggers: Why the offensive rebound kick-out three-pointer is the most deflating play in the game and how coaches like Matt drill their players to stay in rhythm.
• The "Water Your Own Grass" Philosophy: A discussion on the value of program loyalty in the transfer portal era, highlighted by players like Alex Karaban and Fletcher Loyer who chose to build something lasting at their schools.
• Final Four Breakdown: Predictions for the Arizona vs. Michigan showdown and the matchup nightmares in UCONN vs. Illinois that could decide the national title.

From the grit of Minnesota section championships to the bright lights of the McDonald's All-American game, Steve and Matt break down what it takes to win in the modern era.

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In this immediate reaction episode, host Steve Hartman breaks down a weekend of absolute disbelief in the final Elite 8 game. After a refreshing spring break Steve returned just in time to witness one of the most stunning collapses in NCAA Tournament history as UConn erased a 19-point deficit to knock off top-seeded Duke.

Inside the Episode:

• The Duke Meltdown: Steve reacts to the closing seconds of the UConn-Duke thriller, specifically the late turnover by freshman Cayden Boozer that led to Braylon Mullins’ game-winning 35-footer. We dive into the "Freshman Ceiling" debate—is Duke too reliant on 18 and 19-year-olds in high-pressure moments compared to the veteran-heavy rosters of Michigan and UConn?.
• The Final Four Field: A look at the "heavyweight" matchup between Michigan and Arizona, which many feel could be the de facto National Championship game. Steve also analyzes the "matchup nightmare" that is Illinois, highlighting their incredible defensive transformation from 80th in the country to 8th since March 1st.
• The Big Ten Statement: With half of the Elite Eight consisting of Big Ten teams and two moving on to the Final Four, we discuss how the conference’s emphasis on size, length, and physicality is paying off.
• MSHSL Boys State Tournament Recap: Steve recaps a wild week at the barn, including:
• 4A: The Chaska Hawks' winning streak culminates in a title win over Apple Valley.
• 3A: Totino-Grace edging out DeLaSalle in a high-intensity rivalry battle.
• 2A: Minnehaha Academy returning to the top for the first time since 2021.
• 1A: Hills-Beaver Creek completing a historic "double" by adding a basketball championship to their 9-man football state title.

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