Wolves 91, Spurs 89: Midsummer League Knight’s Dream

The Minnesota Timberwolves basketball is BACK.

Well, the Las Vegas Summer League. As Kyle mentioned in his Summer League preview, we planned to see a lot of Jaylen nowell and Jaden mcdaniels in those early games. This is exactly what we got in Game 1. Nowell and Big Mac combined for 42 on 16/33 shots. It was a fiery competition which included a 2nd quarter 17-2 Wolves run on the back of Nowell 3 and my new favorite Timberwolves big man, Nathan Chevalier, who put a big dunk on it to demolish the right rim.

Despite building a cushioned double-digit lead in the first half of the year, Devin Vassell and Three Jones eviscerated it in the second half. They each took turns bending the Wolves’ defense to their liking, starting personal runs of 7-0 and 10-0. The final 10 minute quarter of the game would be a vintage summer league ball with a classic “hard draw” with multiple changes of head. As a regular LVSL attendee, FOMO was really watching me from home, as you could feel the buzz of the crowd throughout 4th.

The fate of the game ended with a few key final possessions, which I’ll be deliberately leaving out an extremely dangerous clear path foul in which Nate Renfro, who was on the ground, reached out and grabbed Jaden’s shoe by the heel, which almost caused disaster * touch of wood *. The game being tied at 89, it was enough to take a look on the ground to realize it: The monsters come out at Knight’s.

With a shot to tie or win the game, Wolves’ backcourt of McKinley Wright and Jaylen nowell teamed up to deny Tre Jones a clear look and resulted in a Savage 3 that never hit the rim.

If you’re like me and haven’t had enough Nathan Knight content yet? Then you should definitely read Tyler Metcalf’s great track on the new savior of wolves here.

Highlights of the game

Play Notes

• Again how awesome it was Nathan Chevalier? Although he made 7 mind-boggling faults (and 1 technique!) In 24 minutes, most of which are questionable, he was definitely my favorite player to watch tonight. His physical presence was felt in the painting all evening, for better or for worse. He scored 19 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive!), 2 assists, 2 stocks and even 1 three points.

• Jaden mcdaniels went wild tonight. He was everywhere on the pitch, but unlike what we are used to seeing, especially in attack. Big Mac was effective with 18 points on 7/13 shots, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, earning him MVP honors. His handling of the ball was exhibited with some nice pennies and moves. Here’s the future of the NBA:

• Shout at Jaylen nowell for his confident game. Never shy as a gunslinger, Nowell had a peak of 20 shot attempts tonight. Although he splashed in 3 three pointers, we got more from the point-Nowell experience with mixed results. The last row of stats of 4 assists and 3 turnovers was pretty accurate from what I saw tonight. Hoping to see him develop more control there as the Summer League progresses.

• Everything I expected from McKinley Wright IV, I had this evening. He was a solid presence as a 1st keeper and rarely made mistakes. Wright’s undersized physique certainly didn’t match what I saw on the pitch. He made his presence known in defense to all Knight night, as he stole 5 interceptions in his battle with former Minnesota high school rival Tre Jones. He also finished with 8 points on 4/4 shots with just 1 turnover. He’s certainly Wolves’ best option as a 3rd (or 2nd?) PG today.

• I mentioned earlier that Knight destroyed the right rim? Well, Isaiah Miller Evened things out by ramming the hammer of a one-handed Thor’s dunk over the left edge. The quick fan favorite finished with just 9 points, 5 rebounds (3 offensives!) And 2 steals, but his energy was contagious all night. His point of attack in defense, paired with McKinley Wright, was a sight to behold. I’m not sure Miller will make the final list as a 6 ‘keeper who doesn’t seem quite capable of really running, but he’s extremely exciting and I know I support him strong.

• Anthony edwards. That’s all you need to know.

• Oh, and let me share one of my favorite moments of the evening. This, in my opinion, encapsulates Jaden mcdaniels personality.

Next:

Minnesota faces the Chicago Bulls in the beginning Thursday 8/12 at 3:00 CT. The Bulls, who dropped their first 2021 draft pick in the deal with Nikola Vucevic, will trot CH favorites Patrick Williams, Tyler Bey, Ayo Dosunmu and former Timberwolves great Omari Spellman.