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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

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.