Category Archives: Basketball

Basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves game 6 playoffs 2026

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By: Sema’Jae tate

https://www.instagram.com/timberwolves/ #timberwolves

Game 6 was honestly a tough but impressive showing from the Timberwolves. Even though the final score was 110–98, you can tell Denver didn’t just roll over—they competed the whole way. Jaden McDaniels really stepped up big time with 32 points on 13-25 shooting, carrying a lot of the offensive load and showing he can be that guy when needed (Anthony Edwards, the Wolves’s star player, was out). Julius Randle added 18, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 24, which gave the team some solid scoring balance. Naz Reid also gave a strong 15 off the bench.

It wasn’t perfect—some guys struggled with efficiency, because they weren’t used to playing with each other, and we didn’t get a ton from the bench overall—but there was still effort and fight all game.

What makes it even more real is that we weren’t even at full strength. Not having our star players out there definitely hurt (aside from Ant, they were also missing DiVincenzo), especially when it came to closing the gap and controlling momentum. You could feel that missing presence late in the game when we needed a bucket or a leader to take over. Still, the way the team battled without them says a lot.

My overall feedback about the game is that I feel like our back-up players came out and showed out carrying us to the victory with guys like Naz Reid coming off the bench and dropping 15 strong, Jaden McDaniels dropping 32 points and being the lead scorer (this being one of his best games so far in the playoffs), and Terrence Shannon Jr. dropping 24 points. It was kind of rocky the first quarter but we came back strong in the 2nd half.

If we keep it up, we should be ready for the Spurs because they are coming off some hot wins. They have Victor Wembanyama, the Defensive Player of the Year, coming off of scoring 17 point/14 rebounds, De’Aaron Fox scoring 21 points, Julian Champagnie scoring 19 and etc. They knocked the Trailblazers out of the playoffs so these are going to be some tough and competitive match ups, but we’re going to see who takes it all home.

*Update: Anthony Edwards came back from his injury and scored 18pts in a game 1 win for the Wolves. 

Basketball

MINNSOTA TIMMBERWOLVES PLAYOFFS PERFORMENCE

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By: Sema’Jae Tate

https://www.instagram.com/timberwolves/ #timberwolves

Game 1

Nuggets 116 – Timberwolves 105 (Loss)
Minnesota started the series a little slow. Denver controlled the pace and shot efficiently, pulling away in the second half. The Timberwolves struggled defensively and couldn’t keep up with the scoring late in the game. 

My biggest takeaway was that the team chemistry wasn’t good on defense.

Game 2

Timberwolves 119 – Nuggets 114 (Win)
The Timberwolves bounced back with a strong offensive performance. They played faster, moved the ball better, and executed well in the fourth quarter to even the series. This game showed their ability to respond under pressure. 

In this game, the Wolves came out to play and learned from the 1st game and stopped them.

Game 3

Timberwolves 113 – Nuggets 96 (Win)
Back at home, Minnesota took control with strong defense and a balanced attack. They held Denver under 100 points and built a comfortable lead, showing dominance on both ends of the floor. 

I liked how Gobert was going after Jokic back and forth.

Game 4

Timberwolves 112 – Nuggets 96 (Win)
Minnesota continued their momentum and took a 3–1 series lead. This game was intense, with physical play and even some late-game tension between players. Despite injuries to key players, the Timberwolves had a huge performance off the bench and controlled the game from start to finish. 

Ant (Anthony Edwards), the Wolves start player, was injured in this game. But it was OK because the team still played strong and came out with the win.

Overall Series So Far

The Timberwolves currently lead the series 3–1, showing major improvement after losing Game 1. They’ve been winning with defense, depth, and strong scoring runs, especially in the second half of games. Their biggest strengths have been controlling the pace and stepping up in clutch moments, while their early inconsistency in Game 1 is the main weakness they’ve corrected.

Basketball

Everything you need to know about the NBA playoffs so far

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By: Karl Salkowski

(Image Credit Unsplash)

The NBA playoffs feature a best of 7 format with a home-away game structure of 2-2-1-1-1. The playoffs last several months, beginning on April 18th and, assuming the finals go to a game 7, until June 19th. Similar to American football, the NBA has two conferences, the Western and the Eastern conferences. 

On each side of the bracket, the top 6 teams from the regular season automatically earn their spot in the playoffs, but teams ranked 7-10 get the chance to compete for the final two positions. This is called the Play-In Tournament and happens post-regular season but before the beginning of the playoffs. It is a single-elimination style tournament where the 9th and 10th seeds must win 2 games in order to proceed, while the 7th and 8th seeds only need to win 1.

So far, every team in the playoffs has played 3-4 games, with multiple lower seed teams possibly upsetting higher ranked teams. As expected, the top rated team, and defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are leading their series 3-0, and the 2nd seed in the West, the San Antonio Spurs are winning 3-1 against the 7th seeded Portland Trail Blazers. 

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 6th seed in the West, are upsetting the 3rd seed, the Denver Nuggets, 3-1 even after 2 of their starters have faced major injuries. On April 25th, the Timberwolves shooting guard, Donte DiVencenzo, tore his Achilles just over a minute into their fourth game against the Nuggets, and just a couple minutes later in the first half of the same game, Anthony Edwards suffered a left knee injury, possibly taking him out for the rest of the season. 

To round out the Western Conference, the Lakers are leading 3-1 against the Houston Rockets even without two of their starters, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Moving on to the Eastern Conference, one of the biggest upsets so far is the 8th seeded Orlando Magic leading the first seed in the East, the Detroit Pistons, 2-1. In addition, the 2nd seed Boston Celtics are leading the 76ers 3-1 after a blowout game 4. The rest of the Eastern Conference is tied 2-2 after game 4 with no clear winners in sight. 

Basketball, Editorials/Student Voice

Best scorers in NBA history and why

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By: Ro’Mel Bryant-Oliveraz

Photo by Emmanuel Newton on Pexels.com

Being the best scorer in NBA history isn’t just about total points or averages. It’s also about who is the biggest threat every time they touch the ball and can score in the most ways. NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and even modern players like Luka Doncic all redefined scoring through skill, technique, and IQ.

Michael Jordan is always seen as the gold standard for many. As a pure scorer, he combined unmatched athleticism, an almost undefendable drive, and one of the best mid range shots. Opponents had to guard every part of the floor because Jordan could jump above defenders or fade away under pressure. He has the record of 10 scoring titles, heavily adding to his scoring reputation.

Kobe Bryant is also one of the best behind MJ, taking Jordan’s blueprint and adding his own pre planned footwork and bag of fakes. With a very fast release and the ability to spin into layups or pull-up jumpers, and ability to fake them, Kobe made every possession a calculated threat of scoring. He has the record of third most points scored in a game at 81 points.

LeBron James brings unmatched physical dominance and longevity. The all-time leading scorer has averaged around 25+ points for over 20 years. His size, speed, strength, and evolving shooting make him almost unstoppable in transition and the half court.

Kevin Durant is the ultimate scoring machine. At 7 feet with movement and handles like a small guard, and a pure shooting stroke, KD can score from anywhere at all; pull up threes, mid range, or over smaller defenders at the rim. His length makes his shot almost unblockable, while also refining his shooting to be one of the most pure, effortless, and automatic. He is a 4-time NBA scoring Champion, and a prominent member of the 50-40-90 club, meaning at least 50% from field, 40% from three, and 90% from the line.

Steph Curry changed the game with his unlimited shooting range and off ball movement. He forces defenses to guard 30 feet or more from the basket, creating space for himself and teammates, and being able to shoot impossible shots from impossible distances. He also has one of the best handles and body manipulation for a small guard. He holds the record of career made 3 pointers, and is the only player to record a 50-40-90 season while leading the league in scoring. He also has a 42.3% shooting from deep, which is unheard of, and more importantly the only player to have a Unanimous MVP.

Today, Luka Doncic uses top tier rhythm manipulation to make his movement slow yet unpredictable. Also being able to score from anywhere on the court from deep threes, mid range fade aways, or tough layups. Combine that with elite playmaking and willingness to take tough shots, makes him one of the most offensively best players. He has the highest scoring averages in NBA history, and second highest career playoff PPG behind Jordan.

Overall, the greatest scorers are those who force defenses to change strategy. Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, KD, Curry, and Luka, each proved scoring is about skill, versatility, achievements and mentality; not just points.

Basketball

Michigan vs UConn 

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By: Sema’Jae Tate

The matchup between the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team and the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team was intense from the opening tip. Michigan came out strong, pushing the pace and knocking down early shots to build momentum. Their ball movement created open looks, allowing them to stay competitive throughout the first half. However, UConn responded with physical defense and strong rebounding, preventing Michigan from pulling too far ahead. Michigan was ahead 33-29.

In the second half, UConn began to take control of the game. Their defense tightened, forcing turnovers and limiting Michigan’s scoring opportunities. At the same time, Michigan’s offense found rhythm, converting key possessions and capitalizing on second-chance points. UConn fought hard to stay in the game, but Michigan’s consistency and late-game execution ultimately secured the win. The game showcased both teams’ strengths, but Michigan’s defense and composure proved to be the better team winning 69-63.

Another key aspect of the game between the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball and the UConn Huskies men’s basketball was the battle of momentum. Throughout the game, both teams went on scoring runs that shifted the energy in the arena. UConn had moments where their offense clicked, hitting consecutive shots and building confidence. However, each time they gained traction, Michigan answered with a run of their own, using defensive stops and fast-break opportunities to swing the momentum back in their favor.

Personally, I feel like it was a good game all around but Michigan just came on top. Hope y’all won y’all bets. Go Michigan!

Basketball, Editorials/Student Voice

March Madness in the NIL era

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By: Fred Gallatin

March Madness, college basketball’s premier tournament, is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. The adrenaline, stakes, and emotion of the 68-team tournament make it a cultural event every spring.

Cinderella stories, miraculous buzzer beaters, and high-intensity showdowns attract millions of people to the tournament each year, regardless of whether or not their favorite team is competing.

The most popular way to get involved with the tournament is by filling out brackets. Across America, nearly 40 million brackets were filled out on online platforms. Competitions among friends, family, and steep odds attract people year in and year out.

If each one of the 63 games were decided by coin flip, the odds of filling out a perfect bracket are around 1 in 9.2 quintillion. Although not every game is a coinflip, this feat has yet to be accomplished once over the forty-year existence of the tournament.

In addition to filling out brackets, Americans engage with the tournament through a large amount of sports betting. Vegas estimated that during the tournament, Americans will wager $3.3 billion on everything from player totals to game spreads. This makes March Madness second to only the Super Bowl in volume of bets placed during a sporting event.

March Madness would not be the same without Cinderella stories. These upsets and shocking moments create the iconic entertainment and excitement that doesn’t exist in other tournaments. The unofficial prerequisite for earning the title of a Cinderella is reaching the Elite 8 as an underdog, which requires three wins in the tournament.

Due to the format of the tournament, these teams are nearly exclusively from smaller conferences around the country. For example, 2022 North Carolina (8-seed to the National Championship) is not considered to be a Cinderella due to UNC’s perennial college basketball dominance.

Prime examples of Cinderella runs include: 2022 Saint Peter’s (15-seed to Elite 8), 2018 Loyola-Chicago (11-seed to Final Four), and 2023 FAU (9-seed to Final Four).

Unfortunately, thanks to NIL, these archetypes are fading in the modern college basketball world. NIL, or Name-Image-Likeness, allows players to be directly compensated for their talent, giving larger, richer schools a huge advantage.

Even when a mid-major (small conference) team overcomes the massive talent gap and finds success in the tournament, their valuable assets are bought away by high-major conferences like the Big 10, Big East, and SEC.

The best example of this comes when looking at Florida Atlantic’s (FAU) miracle Final Four run in 2023. As a 9-seed, the Owls entered the tournament with low expectations. However, the team fought their way through four tournament games before a loss to San Diego State ended their incredible run.

In the following year, the Owls lost their head coach and four star players to larger schools with more available assets.

HC Dusty May – Hired by Michigan, 60-13 since arrival, 2026 Big 10 Champion

G Alijah Martin – Transferred to Florida, 2025 National Champion

C Vladislav Goldin – Followed Coach May to Michigan, all-conference honors

G Johnell Davis – Transferred to Arkansas, All-American

G Nick Boyd – Transferred to San Diego State and then Wisconsin

This deliberate deconstruction sparked conversations about maintaining equality and forcing the prioritization of recruitment and team chemistry over monetary bribes.

By looking at the seed aggregates, or sums, of each Sweet 16 since 2015, a disparity is clearly shown. A lower number suggests that favorites dominated the bracket, whereas a higher number suggests a chaotic and upset-heavy tournament.

Sweet 16 Seed Aggregates: 2015-2026:

64, 72, 68, 83, 49, 94, 74, 78, 53, 53, 47

This pattern is expected to continue trending towards total inequality unless something is done about the talent and resource disparities of college basketball. Otherwise, the most vital parts of March Madness will vanish into irrelevance. Cinderella stories, shocking upsets, and, eventually, the passion of fans will slowly disappear.

Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Scoreboard/Schedule, Softball, Sports

Sports schedule for: Mar 2-7

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 ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE MARCH 2 – MARCH 7
MONDAYMARCH 2 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
3:15pm Badminton BeginsMain Gym
5:00pm – 7:00pm Softball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
TUESDAYMARCH 3  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pm – 7:00pm Softball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
WEDNESDAYMARCH 4  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pm – 7:00pm Softball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
7:00pm  Boys Basketball Sections vs. SimleySimley High School
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
THURSDAYMARCH 5  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pm – 7:00pm Softball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
FRIDAYMARCH 6  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
SATURDAYMARCH 7  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
12:00pm Boys Basketball Sections 
Basketball

The NBA All Star game

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By: Sema’Jae Tate

Team USA Stars

Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff

  • Scottie Barnes: Pts 19.3 AST 5.6 Reb 8.4
  • Devin Booker: Pts 25.2 AST 6.3 Reb 4
  • Cade Cunningham : Pts 25.3 AST 9.6 Reb5.6
  • Jalen Duren: Pts 17..7 AST 1.8 Reb 10.4
  • Anthony Edward’s: Pts 29.3 AST 3.7 Reb 5.2
  • Chet HolmGren: Pts 17.5 AST 1.6 Reb 8.6
  • Jalen Johnson: Pts 23.3 AST 8.2 Reb 10.6
  • Tyrese Maxey: Pts 28.9 AST 6.8 Reb 4.1

Team USA Stripes

Coach: Mitch Johnson

  • Jaylen Brown: Pts 29.3 AST 4.7 REB 6.9
  • Jalen Brunson: Pts 27 AST 6.1 REB 3.3
  • Kevin Durant: Pts 25.8 AST 4.4 REB 5.3
  • De’aaron Fox: Pts 25.8 AST 6.3 REB 3.8
  • LeBron James: Pts 22 AST 7.1 REB 5.8
  • Kawhi Leonard: Pts 27.9 AST 3.7 REB 6.4
  • Donovan Mitchell: Pts 29 AST 5.9 REB 4.5
  • Stephen Curry: Pts 27.2 AST 4.8 REB 3.5

Team World

Coach: Darko Rajakovic  

  • Victor Wembanyama: Pts 24.4 AST 2.8 Reb 11.1
  • Nikola Jokić: Pts 28.7 AST 10.7 REB 12.3
  • Luka Dončić: Pts 32.8 AST 8.6 REB 7.8
  • Pascal Siakam: Pts 23.7 AST 3.9 REB 6.7
  • Jamal Murray: Pts 25.7 Ast 7.6 REB 4.4  
  • Deni Avdija: Pts 25.5 2 AST REB 7.2
  • Karl-Anthony Towns: Pts 19.8 Ast 2.9 REB 6.7  
  • Alperen Şengün: Pts 20.7 Ast 6.3 REB 9.4  
  • Norman Powell: Pts 23 Ast 7.6 REB 3.6
  • Shai Gilgeous – Alexander (injured DNP): Pts 31.8 Ast 6.4 Reb 4.4
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (injured DNP): Pts 28 Ast 5.6 Reb 10

*Note: All player stats are season stats

The all star game is for players from other team to come together and play with each other. Although they’re having fun, they also play competitively to win. The games were very close and some players did better than others.

Stars vs World: This game was good with Stars on top and the score being 35 to 37.

Stars vs Stripes: Although Stars are coming off a win they were defeated by Stripes 40 to 42.

World vs Stripes: The Stripes were undefeated with coming off a win vs Stars and won against World 45 to 48. 

The championship was game Star vs Stripes with Stripes coming off two wins back to back. This game wasn’t close at all though with the score being 47 to 21 Stars for the win.

My feedback about the games is that the team World was terrible. They didn’t win one game, but overall, I liked the tournament set-up. My favorite player was Anthony Edwards, winning MVP with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists winning the Kobe Bryant trophy. But somebody I also liked was Victor Wembanyama, even though team World didn’t win, Victor gave it his all.

Overall, the all star game was a 7.5 /10. 

Adapted Floor Hockey, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Scoreboard/Schedule, Volleyball

Sports schedule for: Feb 23-Feb 28

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 ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 28
MONDAYFEBRUARY 23 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
7:00pm Girls Basketball Sections vs.South St. PaulSouth St. Paul High School
TUESDAYFEBRUARY 24  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
3:15pm Badminton Captains PracticeFieldhouse
B: 4:15pm JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm3:15pm | 8:30pmBoys Basketball  vs. Concordia AcademyConcordia Academy
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
WEDNESDAYFEBRUARY 25  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
4:30pm Boys Basketball vs. Como ParkComo Park High School
7:00pm Girls Basketball Section Quarterfinals 
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
THURSDAYFEBRUARY 26  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
FRIDAYFEBRUARY 27  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
3:15pm Badminton Captains PracticeMain Gym
B: 4:00pm JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm2:45pm | 8:30pmBoys Basketball vs. St. FrancisSt. Francis High School
5:00pm Adapted Floor Hockey State Tournament vs. BrainerdBloomington Jefferson High School (Gym C)
5:30pm – 8:30pm Boys Volleyball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
SATURDAYFEBRUARY 28  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
Adapted Floor Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Scoreboard/Schedule, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball, Wrestling

Sports schedule for: Feb 16-21

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 ATHLETIC EVENTS SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 21
MONDAYFEBRUARY 16 
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
    
TUESDAYFEBRUARY 17  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
4:30pm Adapted Floor Hockey SectionsHumboldt High School
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
7:30pm5:30pm | 9:30pmBoys Hockey Sections vs. OsseoAldrich Arena
WEDNESDAYFEBRUARY 18  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
B: 4:30pm JV: 4:30pm V: 6:00pm Boys Basketball vs. Como ParkHOME
7:00pm – 9:00pm Baseball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
THURSDAYFEBRUARY 19  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
5:00pmTBDBoys Hockey SectionsAldrich Arena
6:00pm4:00pm | 9:30pmBoys Swimming Section PrelimsArt Downey Aquatic Center
FRIDAYFEBRUARY 20  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
 2:15pm | 6:00pmWrestling Individual SectionsCretin-Derham Hall
B: 5:00pm JV: 5:00pm V: 6:30pm3:30pm | 8:00pmBoys Basketball vs. JohnsonJohnson High School
JV: 5:30pm V: 7:00pm Girls Basketball vs. Hope AcademyHope Academy
5:30pm – 8:30pm Boys Volleyball Captains PracticeFieldhouse
SATURDAYFEBRUARY 21  
TIMEBUS TIMESEVENTLOCATION
9:00am6:30am | 3:00pmWrestling Individual SectionsCretin-Derham Hall
1:00pm10:30am | 3:30pmBoys Swimming Section FinalsArt Downey Aquatic Center