The West Finals are headed back to Minnesota. The Timberwolves secured their first Western Conference Finals victory in 20 years by defeating the Mavericks 105-100 in Dallas, extending their season and forcing a Game 5 on Thursday in Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 54 points, outshining the Dallas duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the first time in the series. The Timberwolves improved to 3-0 this postseason when facing elimination, with two crucial wins coming on the road.
Despite the win, the Wolves face a daunting challenge. Of the 156 teams falling behind 3-0 in a series, Minnesota became just the 61st to avoid a sweep. They still have a long road ahead to become the first team to win a series after trailing 3-0.
Luka Doncic recorded his ninth career playoff triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss. Edwards fell just one assist short of his first triple-double, posting 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Every game of the 2024 West Finals has been decided in clutch time, with the score within five points in the final five minutes. As the series returns to Minnesota, the Timberwolves will look to continue their fight and make history.
In a thrilling Game 7, the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, 98-90. Trailing 58-38 with 10:50 left in the third quarter, the Timberwolves comeback set a record for the largest second-half comeback in a Game 7 during the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).
Minnesota’s victory marks its second-ever Game 7 win, propelling the team to its first Conference Finals since 2004—exactly 20 years before their last appearance. The Timberwolves’ top-rated defense was instrumental, dominating the third quarter 28-14 and finishing the frame on a 28-9 run to cut the 20-point deficit to just one point.
During the critical run, Minnesota limited Denver to 20% shooting while hitting 50% of their shots. Anthony Edwards, who had a slow start, ignited the comeback with 9 points during the run. Karl-Anthony Towns (23 points) and Jaden McDaniels (23 points) also made significant contributions.
From 10:50 in the third quarter to the final buzzer, Minnesota outscored Denver 60-32, holding the Nuggets to 33% shooting. Except for Nikola Jokic, who scored 21 points in that stretch, no other Denver player managed more than 6 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, shot 48.7%, outrebounded the Nuggets 28-13, and saw every starter post a +23 or better.
Despite Denver’s attempts to rally, including tying the game at 72-72 and getting within three points at 85-82, Minnesota maintained their lead. Key plays, such as a Naz Reid putback, a Mike Conley steal, and an Anthony Edwards three-pointer, secured the win.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 35 points, while Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic recorded 34 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. This game marked only the second time in NBA history that two teammates each scored 34+ points in a Game 7, following Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in the 1962 NBA Finals.
In a remarkable feat, the Minnesota Timberwolves achieved what eluded all of Denver’s opponents in last year’s championship run: they beat the Nuggets in Denver twice. With a dominant 106-80 victory on Monday, the Timberwolves now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The win was fueled by a suffocating defense that limited Denver to its lowest-scoring game since September 1, 2020. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards led the offensive charge with a combined 54 points, while the entire team worked cohesively to stifle Denver defensively.
Despite the absence of Kia DPOY finalist Rudy Gobert, who missed the game for the birth of his child, the Timberwolves forced Denver into a staggering 16 turnovers, converting them into 19 points.
“Rudy’s driven the defensive culture here,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said. “I think it’s a testament to his impact, his presence and what he’s infused into the team of how important defense is and how great it can be when we play it.”
With the series shifting to Minnesota for the next two games, the Timberwolves are in a commanding position. Through two games, they have showcased their defensive prowess with 15 steals, 18 blocks, and 31 forced turnovers, while holding the Nuggets to just 40.5% shooting. As the series progresses, Minnesota looks poised to maintain their momentum and continue their quest for playoff success.
Megan Thee Stallion has been impressing us all year long for a number of reasons. Her return to music back in late 2023 did not prepare us for what was to come. She has dominated the year with “HISS” and her features for the Mean Girl remake soundtrack and GloRilla on “Wanna Be.” The latter collaboration has been a massive success already in just its first weekend when it premiered on Glo’s new mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang. Music is not the only department she is slaying in though. Megan Thee Stallion had a killer look at the Lakers game this past Sunday, donning a curvaceous black fit.
The “Cobra” rapper was spotted courtside at Crypto.com Arena as the Lakers played host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the video below you can see that she has black cargo pants, and what appears to be a same-colored bodysuit. To help break up the monotonous outfit, the statement piece is a loud and bright neon greenish yellow Birkin bag. Megan was also having a mini photoshoot on the baseline before the game.
While her star power is prevalent, it was not enough to propel the Lakers to a much-needed win. They still have an outside shot at avoiding the Play-In Tournament, sitting just a game and a half outside of sixth place. As for the Wolves, their 10-point victory vaulted them back into first in the West, holding the tie breaker over the Denver Nuggets. With just three games left in the regular season, the tight-knit standings are far from set.
What are your thoughts on Megan Thee Stallion showing out at the Lakers versus Timberwolves game? Does she have the best fashion sense out of any rapper in the game, why or why not? Are you excited for her upcoming album and tour? Do you think the Lakers have a shot at making run in the postseason? What about the T-Wolves? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Megan Thee Stallion and the NBA. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the worlds of music and sports.
Karl-Anthony Edwards had high praise for his teammate Anthony Edwards this week, telling ESPN that he believed that Edwards was set to become the “next face of the NBA.” Edwards, drafted first overall in 2020, is putting up 26.3/5.2/5.3 this season as the Timberwolves dominate the Western Conference. Towns, for his part, is averaging 22.5/8.4/2.9 a game as part of the white-hot Minnesota starting five. At the time of writing, Minnesota are 39-16. Despite this, they are locked in a tight battle with the Thunder at the top of the Western Conference standings.
“It brings a smile to all of our faces. He’s one of the top players in the NBA right now. And when you mix that in with his charisma and the personality he has, that’s a huge boost,” Towns explained on First Take. Edwards is coming off the second All-Star nod of his career and is only going to get better as he continues to improve.
Of course, not everyone is a fan of Edwards. Last month, Anthony Edwards was fined $40K for his derogatory comments aimed at the officiating crew present for the Timberwolves’ win against the Thunder earlier this week. The NBA levied the fine at the young star for “repeatedly publicly criticizing the officiating”. Edwards clearly expected it, saying that he was going to “take the fine” as he went after the refs. Despite the win, Edwards said like Wolves were playing “8-on-5” due to the lack of calls going the team’s way.
However, it’s not the first time that the NBA has gone after Edwards. Last year, he was fined $50K for throwing a chair courtside after the Wolves’ playoff elimination at the hands of the Nuggets. Despite the hefty fine, Edwards did not miss any games due to the incident. A number of staffers unsuccessfully sued Edwards over the incident, claiming to have been injured during the incident. The case was dismissed before going to trial.
Alex Rodriguez and Marc Love are finalizing the purchase of a majority stake in Minnesota’s basketball franchise. Rodriguez and Love have been purchasing the Timberwolves and Lynx in installments from Glen Taylor since April 2021. This latest purchase will see A-Road and Love control 80% of the two teams. Taylor, who has owned the franchise since 1994, will retain the remaining 20%. However, he can choose to sell this to Rodriguez and Love at a later date.
The ownership change comes as the Timberwolves are in the midst of their best start to a season in franchise history. The team is 22-7 and first in the West. This is a reaping of the benefits sown by A-Rod and Love’s influence. Moves such as acquiring Nuggets GM Tim Connelly and players such as Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley are paying major dividends. However, it remains to be seen if the Timberwolves can maintain their pace and push themselves towards a title.
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Star, Gets Roasted By Kevin Durant
ESPN Sources: Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are expected to exercise their option to acquire controlling ownership interest of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx from Glen Taylor as soon as today. They have a Dec. 31 deadline. pic.twitter.com/qCYnBZJ0pG
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was recently brutal in his response to a question about whether he would wear Anthony Edwards’ signature shoes. “Won’t EVER see me put a big toe in them Mfers,” Durant wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Even more brutal was the fact that Durant was responding to a video of Edwards himself saying that Durant was the player he most wanted to see wearing his signature shoe. Edwards has never been shy to express his admiration of Durant.
The comments largely supported Durant’s sharp sense of humor and unapologetic honesty. However, some people warned that Durant had best watch out as Edwards and the Timberwolves will “bake” Durant and the Suns. If that’s the case, those fans will be waiting a while. The Suns and Timberwolves don’t play again until April. Edwards is yet to respond to Durant’s comments. Durant recently posed for a photoshoot involving Drake‘s own signature shoe. Maybe it’s something about wearing a rival’s shoe that Durant is opposed to.
Anthony Edwards has posted a statement in response to pressuring Instagram model Paige Jordae into getting an abortion after she told him of her pregnancy. Among the insensitive messages Edwards sent Jordae include the directions, “Get an abortion lol,” and “Just take the pills,” among others. Edwards responded to the backlash resulting from Jordae posting screenshots of the texts on social media, on Monday.
“I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man,” Edwards wrote in a statement. “All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time.”
Anthony Edwards During The Timberwolves Game Against The Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 08: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Memphis. Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 08, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
When Jordae began sharing the messages on social media, she also posted a photo of a wire transfer of $100,000 followed by the texts “I will send you money to help you out” and “you got da money whats the hol up.” Despite the apology, fans on social media had no interest in forgiving Edwards. “‘Get a abortion lol’ is NOT a heat of the moment comment,” one user responded to the Minnesota Timberwolves star. Another added: “Wdym it’s ‘not you??’ It literally was you. Like you did that. Nobody else. And this wasn’t in the heat of the moment and he texts happened over the span of multiple days.” Check out Edwards’ full apology to Jordae below.
Edwards is averaging 24.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists to help the Timberwolves maintain a 19-5 record. He’s set to take the court again against the Miami Heat on Monday night. Be on the lookout for further updates on Anthony Edwards on HotNewHipHop.
Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Jaden McDaniels were all ejected less than two minutes into Tuesday night’s in-season tournament matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves. The brawl broke out after Thompson and McDaniels clashed in transition. McDaniels pulled on Thompson’s jersey while the latter contested for a long rebound and the pair remained tangled up amid the ensuing breakaway. The two proceeded to start fighting, leading to a game-stopping brawl. Amid the chaos, Green was seen putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock.
After the game, a tight 104-101 Timberwolves win, Gobert appeared to make light of the situation. “Every time Steph doesn’t play, [Green] doesn’t want to play without his guy Steph, so he does anything he can to get ejected,” Gobert told reporters. Furthermore, the French star referred to Green’s actions as “clown behavior” on multiple occasions through his post-game availability. However, Warriors coach Steve Kerr defended Green. “As far as the Draymond piece of it, Rudy had his hands on Klay’s neck. That’s why Draymond went after Rudy.”
Draymond Green should be suspended. This is the type behavior the NBA should be punishing. Not players flexing after a poster dunk. pic.twitter.com/RzeALrNj55
After Jordan Poole was traded to the Wizards in the offseason, and Green preached turning over a new leaf, Warriors fans were likely hopeful that the team could go a season without controversy. However, a cloud now hangs over the Bay Area. Last year, it was Green punching a teammate. This season, he’s now been seen putting an opposing player in a headlock. The NBA is yet to hand down a punishment to Green and the other players who were ejected from last night’s affair. However, it’s likely that Green will be suspended for at least a few games.
As for the Warriors, it’s yet another smudge on an already middling season. The addition of Chris Paul was widely hailed as a move that helped make the Warriors a major contender in the West. However, they are 6-6 and have lost four in a row. That comes after starting the season 5-1. Even with Curry expected to return from injury sooner rather than later, the team will now likely have to survive without the rest of their big three for a significant portion of their upcoming slate. Next up for Golden State is a doubleheader against the 7-4 Thunder.
In the world of professional basketball, few names have garnered as much attention and respect as Jrue Holiday. As of 2023, the NBA star’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million US dollars, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such a fortune, and what has contributed to his success on and off the court?
Born on June 12, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, Jrue Holiday showed early signs of his basketball prowess. He honed his skills at Campbell Hall High School, where he not only made a name for himself in the local circuits but also on the national stage. His accolades during this time included being named California Mr. Basketball and the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Such achievements paved the way for his selection as a McDonald’s All-American and a first-team Parade All-American. Choosing to play college basketball at UCLA, Holiday continued to impress. He was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team in 2009, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in basketball.
NBA Journey And Achievements
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jrue Holiday #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 24, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 99-93. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Jrue’s professional journey began when he was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009 NBA Draft. His tenure with the 76ers lasted until 2013, after which he joined the New Orleans Pelicans. Over the years, Holiday’s consistent performance and dedication to the game have earned him several accolades. Moreover, he was named an NBA All-Star in 2013 and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2018. His career averages, with nearly 15 points per game and over 6 assists, speak volumes about his contribution to the teams he has played for.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 29: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
While his skills on the court have undoubtedly contributed to his net worth, Jrue’s financial success isn’t solely due to his basketball earnings. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Holiday raked in a whopping $27 million, combining his salary and endorsements. This impressive figure placed him among the highest-paid athletes globally during that period.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 12: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a layup in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 12, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Jrue’s commitment isn’t just limited to basketball. He has shown a deep sense of responsibility towards society, especially Black communities. In a commendable move, Holiday pledged his remaining NBA salary towards initiatives that help Black communities. Such a move showcased his dedication to making a difference off the court.
Jrue Holiday’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for basketball. But beyond the numbers, it’s his character, commitment to community, and the respect he commands on and off the court that truly define his worth. As fans and admirers look forward to more from this NBA star in the coming years, one thing is certain: Jrue Holiday’s legacy is about more than just money; it’s about making a lasting impact in the world of sports and beyond.
The NBA playoffs are finally here. As has been the tradition since 2021, proceedings begin with the Play-In tournament. The four-team event determines the seventh and eighth seeds for both conferences. This year, the Lakers, Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Thunder contest the West. Meanwhile, the Hawks, Heat, Raptors, and Bulls will battle it out in the East. As is the nature of the NBA’s depth of talent, some big-name stars will be getting a headstart on the offseason.
LeBron and the Lakers, who finished seventh in the regular-season standings. took on the Rudy Gobert-less Timberwolves. The winner would take the seventh seed and a first-round matchup against the Grizzlies. Earlier in the day, former Laker Kyle Kuzma had voiced his support for the LA squad as they looked to repeat their 2021 Play-In success. However, the Lakers had struggled against Minnesota, going 1-2 in their three regular-season matchups.
Even without Gobert, the Timberwolves didn’t make things easy for the Lakers. Behind big performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley, the Timberwolves led by 11 at halftime. However, Minnesota’s lack of depth, and a poor night for Anthony Edwards, prevented the Timberwolves from ever running away with the game. Edwards, averaging nearly 25 points per game this season, scored just nine against the Lakers while also going 0-9 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Wolves got just 20 points from their four-man bench. In comparison, the Lakers bench saw Dennis Schoeder alone score 21. The Wolves also lacked a presence in the paint, putting up just four offensive rebounds all game.
Despite their opponent’s struggles and a game-leading 30 points from LeBron, the Lakers still needed overtime to clinch the win. Up three with 0.1 seconds on the clock, Anthony Davis got called for a costly foul on Mike Conley. Conley drilled a trio of free throws to tie the game at 98 at the end of regulation. Despite this mistake, the Lakers pulled away in overtime to take a 108-102 win. They will now travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies in the first round. For the Timberwolves, their playoff hopes are still alive. They will face the winner of the Pelicans-Thunder game to determine the eighth seed.
