EPIC BEATDOWN: Oklahoma City destroyed the Timberwolves in every facet of basketball during the Western Conference Finals, dominating them mentally, physically and emotionally to such an extent that the Wolves quickly flipped the death-mode switch in the do-or-die Game 5. Even Minnesota’s 42-point win over the Thunder in Game 3 was a setback because OKC’s off night gave the illusion of a competitive series when it was nothing more than a Prague Spring moment, a brief period of hope before the soul-crushing resumed. Good season, horrific ending. Give yourself a few days to put it into context, if that’s needed.
SCREECH TAKES: They’re coming already — hoping Julius Randle declines his contract option and leaves, for example — as will more reasonable takes about the next changes that need to be made. I’m already reading stuff that sounds like a roster teardown is needed, as opposed to tearing apart what happened against the Thunder and figuring out how to do better starting right away. The latter is what the good organizations do.
FOUR TRUTHS: (1) The Wolves came up against the one team that could demolish them because of skills and match-ups. Seven-footers Chet Holmgren vs. Rudy Gobert? No contest. Team depth? No contest. In-series adjustments? OKC didn’t need ‘em. (2) It’s great the Wolves made the conference finals, but that happened only because their seeding allowed them to avoid OKC until that point. They were one games away — up or down — from potentially playing the Thunder earlier in the postseason. (3) Given basketball boss Tim Connelly’s history, something dramatic and currently unforeseeable will happen during the off-season. (4) See below.
EPIC VICTORY: You like hockey? That means you loved the PWHL Finals with all four games going into overtime before the Frost put down Ottawa to keep possession of the Walter Cup. One game went three OTs, all of them ended with 2-1 scores. The final-round home crowds were a bit smaller than last year’s at the X, but drawing 11,024 fans on Memorial Day for the clincher was another sign of the expanding PWHL’s health.
LEGEND! Via Ian Kennedy at Hockey News. Liz Schepers should now have a Top 10 place in Minnesota hockey lore. The fourth-line forward, who grew up in Mound before playing college hockey at Ohio State, scored the go-ahead goal in 2024’s deciding game and the overtime game-winner this year. VERBATIM: "To have, you know, a coaching staff that has confidence in their fourth line, to play us in big moments, in overtimes, it gives us a ton of confidence, to go out there and to make plays and contribute to this team. I'm really happy we were able to take advantage of it obviously, and help the team out this playoff." MORE: https://fluence-media.co/schepers0529
WATCH THE GAME-WINNER: https://fluence-media.co/goal0529
LEGEND II: Via La Velle E. Neal III at Star Tribune. Team USA’s Olympic hopes next year should soar if only because of its goaltending. The Frost’s tandem of Maddie Rooney and Nicole Hensley was excellent. But Ottawa’s goalie, Gwyneth Philips, was even better — strong enough to be the title-series MVP despite her team’s defeat. VERBATIM: “She kept Ottawa in the series while frustrating Frost players with her athleticism. Her most important save came with 4 minutes, 48 seconds remaining (in Game 4) when a rebound, open net and glory awaited Kendall Coyne Schofield if she touched the puck. Coyne Schofield fanned on her first attempt and quickly reloaded for a second chance, only for Philips to recover and stop the puck with her left pad. “If she doesn’t play the way she played,” Frost coach Ken Klee said, “then I don’t think we go to overtime in any of them.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/philips0529
BIO: More about Philips: https://fluence-media.co/bio0529
SWEET TOUCH: The PWHL allowed family members and media on the ice during the 20-minute postgame celebration. (Yes, media members needed to sign a waiver.) At one point, a man approached a veteran reporter asking if he needed help finding any players. It was Mike Zumwinkle — the former St. John’s football player and father of the Frost’s Grace Zumwinkle — playing the role of media wrangler.
THAT TWINS SALE: Something is happening. But what? Recent days have brought conflicting reports. Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters reported that a potential buyer “lost interest based on the price, now believed to be $1.5 billion. The Twins reportedly are more than $400 million in debt, borrowing to pay bills. Another potential local buyer has confided he’s not currently interested. Still another, after reviewing the books, described prospects for a sale as ‘dismal.’ “ The Star Tribune’s Phil Miller wrote: “The sale is a lot closer to the end than to the beginning,” according to an unnamed source. The Athletic’s Dan Hayes wrote that the Twins are sticking to their $1.7 billion asking price and with “concerns from interested parties about the team’s future revenues, the end game remains fluid more than 7 1/2 months after the Pohlads announced they would explore selling the team.”
REPORTS: Pioneer Press | Star Tribune | The Athletic
‘THESE THINGS HAPPEN’: Via Bobby Nightengale at Star Tribune. The Twins are getting a throwback experience on their current three-city road trip, which included two losses in three games at Tampa’s minor-league stadium that’s serving as a replacement for the Rays’ storm-wrecked Tropicana Field this season. The trip ends with three games in Sacramento, where the Athletics are playing for three years while their Las Vegas stadium is being built. The Tampa Bay series was an adventure, featuring misjudged fly balls by Twins outfielders and problems with the sun for pitchers. VERBATIM: “Manager Rocco Baldelli said. ‘If you look down and then look up, you have no chance of finding that baseball.’ Trevor Amicone, the Twins’ assistant hitting coach, used to work in the Yankees’ minor league system. George Steinbrenner Field is the home for Yankees spring training games and, typically, their Class A affiliate in the Florida State League. After some of the wacky plays this week, Amicone told Baldelli: ‘These things happen here.’ “ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/tampa0529
AND IN SACRAMENTO: Via Sam Blum at The Athletic. The writer went to the A’s minor-league stadium and purchased a $25 ticket to attend like a fan. VERBATIM: “The atmosphere is lively, and, if you take away the ugly dynamics, actually pretty cool. The lawn is full of people spread out like it’s spring training. Kids run around in the playground attached to the ballpark beyond the right field wall. As the national anthem plays and the first pitch is delivered, the brutal heat settles into a calm and comfortable evening as a breeze drifts in off the adjacent Sacramento River. It is Major League Baseball like you’ve never experienced. But it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s not like it should be experienced.”
MONEY QUOTE: “The field’s not the best,” said A’s starting pitcher Luis Severino. “The stadium is not the best, or has the accommodations of other stadiums. It’s what we have, we have to be comfortable with what we have. We have a good record on the road versus at home. It’s not easy. It’s not what we thought it was going to be, but it’s what we have right now.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/athletics0529
WOLVES HUGE IN FREE AGENT POOL: Via Hoopshype. Julius Randle is ranked as the third-best NBA free-agent available during this off-season by the web site, trailing only James Harden and LeBron James. All three contracts have player options, so they’ll be deciding whether to stay or go. Naz Reid is No. 9 on the free-agent list and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is at No. 17. COMPLETE LIST, SALARY DATA: https://fluence-media.co/freeagents0529
VIKINGS SPENDING HITS HIGH: Via Andrew Krammer at Star Tribune. The Vikings spent almost $2.9 million to sign 18 undrafted free agents to contracts. The previous high in the four years since GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah arrived was $1.2 million in 2023. Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer got $247,000, fifth highest on the list, which is led by BYU linebacker Tyler Batty, who received $259,000. The low was $20,000 for an Auburn wide receiver. Odds are making it are slim for most, but this is the route fullback C.J. Ham took to the Vikings. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/deals0529
WILL THEY EVER LOSE? The Lynx are off to a 5-0 start, which has included struggles to beat WNBA weaklings Dallas (twice), Connecticut and Los Angeles in four of those games. Better tests come Friday night at Phoenix (4-1) with a rematch on Tuesday at Target center. The West Coast trip also includes a game Sunday against the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who have won two of their first four games.
THREE LYNX THOUGHTS: (1) It may not be their best lineup. But the Lynx get an energy boost and are most fun to watch when point guards Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are on the court together and the pace of the offense picks up. (2) Jessica Shepard’s return after injuries and a season away in Europe has been huge. She’s averaging a team-high 7.8 rebounds off the bench and brings offense that wasn’t part of her WNBA arsenal in the past. (3) With all the added TV exposure, it’s interesting (and odd) that the Lynx are one of only four WNBA teams to have all their games on radio.
HOOPS, HOCKEY, SOCCER: There were lots of fangirl and fanboy opps at the Lynx-Seattle game on Tuesday. VIDEO: https://fluence-media.co/dawn0529
BREAKING UP THE FROST: Via Ian Kennedy at Hockey News. The PWHL expansion draft next month will aim a wrecking ball at the Frost’s championship roster. Each of the six existing teams will start out being able to protect only three players from their current rosters from the new Seattle and Vancouver squads, with the chance to add another after losing two players. Kennedy’s list of the top six players on the Frost roster includes Taylor Heise, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Lee Stecklein, Sophie Jacques, Claire Thompson and Britta Curl-Salamme. The writer explains why Thompson is almost certain to be gone and the hard choice facing the expansion teams as they ponder Curl-Salamme. STORY: https://fluence-media.co/expansion0529
FREE BRITTA! According to MinnPost’s Pat Borzi, Curl-Salamme was barred by PWHL officials from doing interviews during the regular season “to avoid questions about her social media history, which she’s already apologized for.” That included not making her available after Game 2 when she scored both goals — with 15 seconds left in the third period and about 16 minutes into overtime — in the Frost’s 2-1 win. X: https://fluence-media.co/borzi0529
SHE SPEAKS: Via John Shipley at Pioneer Press. Curl issued a YouTube apology last year acknowledging activity that “resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that.” The media ban was lifted before Game 3, and she was asked whether negative fan reaction to her (You can find lots of examples on BlueSky) was because of her rough style of play (which resulted in three suspensions during the season) or her social media past. VERBATIM: “I can’t really speak to the reasons behind it or anything. I’m sure it’s annoying as hell being an opponent, or being an opposing fan, the style that I play. I kind of try to embrace that, obviously to a certain point. I want to be a nuisance, and I want to make it hard to play against me.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/curl0529
A REMINDER: Via May 8th Sports Take. After being chastised for including Curl in a promotion for a Frost watch party, A Bar of Their Own owner Jillian Hiscock replied in part: “I know I am glad I have not been permanently judged on things I said or did when I was younger, and am eternally grateful for the continuous learning opportunities I've been given. I am not dismissing the hurt — that is very real — *and* I believe in a world where people can change, because I have been given that same grace by others.” FACEBOOK: https://fluence-media.co/aboto0529
ST. THOMAS ARENA OPENER: Via Jess Myers at Pioneer Press. St. Thomas will debut its new basketball-and-hockey arena on Oct. 24 when its men’s and women’s teams play Providence. Tommies coach Rico Blasi was the associate AD overseeing those teams at Providence before coming to St. Thomas for its move to Division I. Before that series, St. Thomas opens the men’s season with a home-and-home series against North Dakota, with the St. Paul game set for the X on Oct. 12. No word yet on an opening opponent for the basketball debuts in November. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/tommies0529
JUST A THOUGHT: If the Tommies can’t lure a big-name opponent, the men’s basketball team should consider an exhibition game with St. John’s. If you schedule it, they will come.
BEST IN THE LAND? St. Mary’s of Winona plays Linfield of Oregon in the D-III nationals at 1:30 p.m. today in Bloomington, Ill. Winners of the two four-team double-elimination brackets will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday in a best-of-three title series. Makayla Steffes, a sophomore from Winona, leads the team with a .425 batting average, nine home runs and 42 steals in 44 tries. Steffes also has a 21-4 record and 1.75 ERA in 33 pitching appearances. SCHEDULE | WATCH
BEST IN THE STATE? Via Star Tribune. The web site is listing the top rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in the state this week. The list of current ninth-graders includes the daughter of a football legend, a boy who took over at quarterback for his Class 6A team and a girl who could become the first second-generation winner of the Strib’s Player of the Year honor before she graduates. LISTS: Current ninth-graders | Sophomores | Juniors
27 OUTS, 26 STRIKEOUTS: Via Jim Bastian at New Ulm Journal. Lefty Ethan Stade struck out 26 batters on Friday to lead the New Ulm Brewers amateur team past Bird Island 5-0. The only non-strikeout was a grounder to first base in the ninth inning. Stade, who pitches for Minnesota State, didn’t foreshadow townball excellence during the college season. He had a 10.80 ERA in 10 games for the Mavericks, a top Division II team that compiled a 51-8 record. STORY: https://fluence-media.co/stade0529
24 HOURS OF RUNNING: The annual FANS Ultra Races start at 8 a.m. Sunday with runners doing the two-mile loop around Normandale Lake in Bloomington for up to 24 hours. The ultramarathon, which also has six- and 12-hour divisions, is a fund-raiser for the Pillsbury United Communities’ College Readiness & Scholarship Program. Lana Haugberg of California led all runners last year, completing 129.7 miles. Matt Rosen was next at 125.5 miles. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/ultra0529
DEATH OF THE FOUNDER: The FANS Ultra Races were founded in 1990 by Bob Frawley, a Twin Cities ultramarathoner who died last year while on a trail run at Hyland Hills Park Reserve in Bloomington. This will be the first race since his death. OBITUARY: https://fluence-media.co/frawley0529
ON THE WATER: Via Star Tribune staff. If you canoe, kayak or paddleboard, the Star Tribune published a guide earlier this month of the best paddling routes in the metro area. The photos are sweet, and descriptions of the 11 routes include cautions and detailed maps. There are no shortcuts — on the maps or in the presentation. BOOKMARK: https://fluence-media.co/water0529
TEAM USA VS. CHINA ON SATURDAY: Via Jeff Wald at FOX9: Saturday’s game will be the fourth for the national team at Allianz Field. It won the other three by a combined 12-0 score. VERBATIM: "It’s such a passionate soccer community. I think every time we do play here, it’s always such a great crowd specifically for women’s soccer and supporting women’s sports," midfielder Sam Coffey said. "It’s always special playing here, it’s an amazing stadium." Match time is 4:30 p.m. Ticket info is here. TV: TBS. STREAM: Peacock. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/usachina0529
AURORA ON HAND: Minnesota Aurora was invited to watch the national team practice earlier this week. The Aurora are off to a 2-0 start with matches on Friday vs. River Light in Aurora, Ill., and Sunday at the Chicago City Dutch Lions. Next home match is June 6 vs. Sioux City at TCO Stadium. SCHEDULE AND TICKETS: https://fluence-media.co/aurora0529
SPORTSWRITING AT THE U: The University of Minnesota has hired journalism professor Scott Winter away from Bethel, where his students have frequently done award-winning multimedia work. He’ll be teaching reporting and other sports media focused classes in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Is there a transfer portal for aspiring sports reporters?
REMEMBERING: Via Jim Souhan at Star Tribune. The columnist surveyed a group of local athletes for a story commemorating the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Words from former Twins pitcher and current TV analyst LaTroy Hawkins were especially wise. VERBATIM: “I was appalled by the lack of empathy from the other police officers. I understand the ‘locker-room’ mentality, the brotherhood between police officers. But I also know that in a brotherhood, my brother would tell me when I’m wrong. I understand that he’s your superior officer, but where’s your humanity? My grandparents always told me that ignorance is curable, but stupidity is forever, and there are a lot of stupid people out there, people saying that because George Floyd had a history, or had drugs in his system, that he should be killed in the street like a dog. Who cares what his rap sheet was like? He’s still a human. We’ve got a justice system for that.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/floyd0529.
Thanks for reading. More fun and excitement next week.
HOWARD ON THE WEB:
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Instagram: @howardsinkermn
Tips and thoughts: sportstake100@gmail.com
HOW TO WATCH ALMOST ANYTHING
ESPN's guide to sports on about 250 channels and streaming services: https://fluence-media.co/3T4rYw4
Minnesota Division II and III sports: MIAC Network | Northern Sun Network | Upper Midwest Network
NSPN Minnesota high school livestreams: https://fluence-media.co/3My8Tyv
NFHS Minnesota high school livestreams: https://fluence-media.co/3MvFSU6