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Before we dive into the Memorial Day weekend NBA Playoff schedule, let’s catch up on any outstanding items we may have missed from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx from this past week.
Let’s start with the Lynx, who sadly fell to 0-4 last night after a disappointing performance against the Seattle Storm. The good news from last night was that Napheesa Collier returned to the Lynx lineup, but outside of that, it was a truly underwhelming performance by Minnesota, who remain the only winless team in the WNBA this season. The Lynx return to Minneapolis for some home cooking this week (three straight games at Target Center), so let’s hope that can provide them a much-needed spark to get things turned around.
As for the Timberwolves, not much is going on with them right now (outside of the legal system, that is). The only real bit of “news” related to the team right now was a tidbit of information yesterday from Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes, who reported that the Wolves were sending select players to 2021 NBA Playoff games to get a taste of what the postseason is all about:
Pretty cool piece of information here from @ChrisBHaynes about the #Timberwolves sending various players to 2021 NBA playoff games: pic.twitter.com/E17lPiNF2j
— Canis Hoopus (@canishoopus) May 28, 2021
Now, I understand that the jokes practically write themselves here, and yes, I am very aware that D’Angelo Russell has made the playoffs before in his career (as has Karl-Anthony Towns). If you think this is pretty stupid in general, I have no problem with that, but I personally think this is just an extension of the “culture” and “comradery” that Gersson Rosas and the new(ish) front office is trying to build with it’s young players.
As Jack mentions below, Josh Okogie and Anthony Edwards (both of whom have ties to the Georgia area) attended Game 3 of Hawks/Knicks, and it’s expected that more Wolves players will be in attendance for future playoff games this summer.
Two Wolves from Atlanta, Anthony Edwards and Josh Okogie, were in attendance tonight for Hawks/Knicks in ATL. https://t.co/O9RnOJfeDi
— Jack Borman (@jrborman13) May 29, 2021
Here’s proof that Anthony Edwards was indeed in attendance:
fixed, @CassidyHubbarth pic.twitter.com/JMlp6S9ZeX
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 29, 2021
Again, maybe this is just a brilliant way for Timberwolves players to finesse their way into a comped ticket on their employer’s dime, but I think getting an up close and personal view of the intensity and energy of a playoff game is a great learning lesson, especially for the youngest team in the NBA. Just my two cents on that one.
Anyway, these next two days are slam-packed with playoff games, starting later today with the Milwaukee Bucks looking to sweep General Soreness and his South Beach Brigade™. We’ve also got the likely frontrunner for MVP (Nikola Jokic) looking to take a 3-1 lead against Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid bringing the Process to the nation’s capital, and Ja Morant playing his first career playoff game in front of the hometown fans in Memphis.
Saturday NBA Playoff Schedule
- Bucks @ Heat (12:30PM CST, TNT)
- Nuggets @ Blazers (3:00PM CST, TNT)
- Sixers @ Wizards (6:00PM CST, ESPN)
- Jazz @ Grizzlies (8:30PM CST, ESPN)
TODAY's #NBAPlayoffs schedule
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2021
▪️ Bucks look to close out series in Miami
▪️ Denver seeks 3-1 lead, Portland hopes to even series
▪️ 76ers visit DC with 2-0 series edge
▪️ Jazz and Grizzlies each look to go up 2-1 pic.twitter.com/JTMu1dRzfA
Sunday NBA Playoff Schedule
- Knicks @ Hawks (12:00PM CST, ABC)
- Suns @ Lakers (2:30PM CST, ABC)
- Nets @ Celtics (6:00PM CST, TNT)
- Clippers @ Mavericks (8:30PM CST, TNT)
It’s going to be a fantastic weekend of hoops, and when you factor in the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, it makes for a great way to celebrate the last few days of May. I hope everyone in the Canis community can enjoy some basketball, spend time with their friends and family, and just overall have a great couple of days to relax and enjoy life. Take care, y’all!