Quote Me, Howie: On the 'Wolves TKOing the Lakers in the Western Conference series opener

Fred Friedman, Mr. Sports in the Twin Ports – "Two positive things happened that make the Wolves dangerous: The bench was way better than the Lakers (who have 2 Hall of Famers but no size) while Minnesota was led by great nights by Reid and DeVincezno, and Edwards played like an all star while leaving the refs alone. If Randle and McDaniels keep scoring over 40, the Wolves may well advance." 

Kelly Grgas Wheeler, the Bulldogs' talented Director of Athletic Communications and Media Relations – "The Timberwolves are going to be a tough matchup for the Lakers, and they showed it early and often Saturday night."

Former Duluth Central high-flying guard Don Ness – "After that horrid start, the Wolves' depth was the key. The 3-point shooting was unreal, and you can’t expect that every night. But it was the on-ball defense that was outstanding. The Lakers were initiating their offense 12 feet behind the three-point line. Jaden McDaniels was their best player on both ends. Lakers will come back charging on Tuesday. Look for Rudy to bounce back when the Lakers extend their D to contest the 3. Great start, but it’s a long series. Wolves in 6." 

Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman – "Wolves back! This team is gelling at the right time and is clearly deeper than the Lakers. Let’s see if they have matured to the point they can keep the pedal down and build a 2-0 series lead on Tuesday night.”

Prime-time local sports broadcaster Brian Prudhomme – "It was obviously a fantastic start to the series for the Wolves. They played fearless and aggressive. I anticipate they’ll get a much more intense challenge from the Lakers on Tuesday, but I think they can withstand it if everyone stays on the same page. The Lakers have two unquestioned Hall of Famers on their squad, and the NBA loves stars, but the Wolves depth has already shown an impact. I still like Minnesota in 6 or 7 games because of said depth, but I’m also fully aware that I’m a homer."

Steve Battaglia, recently retired Cloquet High boys basketball coach – "Unreal. We shot the ball unbelievably well. I can’t imagine we can be much better than that. Hope to see a repeat in game 2."

Legendary thunderous dunker Daniel Fanning – "Strong performance by the Timberwolves in game 1! Solid team effort, especially impressive on the road. They were well-prepared, motivated, and unintimidated. There’s still a lot of room for improvement, too. No doubt the Lakers will try to fight (and whine) their way back in game 2 on Tuesday, before the series comes to Target Center on Friday. Our Wolves proved they are absolutely capable of winning this series, and beyond, if they continue to play disciplined and aggressive ball. I’m sticking with my prediction, Wolves in 7 (maybe even 6). Let’s Go Wolves!"

Hermantown High football coach and world-class fisherman Mike Zagelmeyer – "I’m not much of a basketball mind, but the Lakers seemed slow on defense. Lots of wide-open looks for the Wolves, which obviously they knocked down. Hopefully, the Wolves can continue to shoot like that the rest of the series. I thought Ant didn’t force it and was able to get his teammates involved. Game 1 went about as well as a Wolves fan could have hoped." 

Former Cloquet High sharp-shooting power forward Steve Korby – "I was on the edge of my seat, but they hardly ever took their foot off the gas pedal once they had the lead. What a shooting demonstration. Looked like Civic Center basketball that they were so open. Good coaching. I was proud to be from Minnesota. Beat LA!"

Timberwolves-Lakers Series At-a-Glance

All times Eastern Standard Time

Game 1 – Timberwolves 117, Lakers 95

Game 2 – Timberwolves at Lakers (Tue. April 22, 10 ET, TNT)

Game 3 – Lakers at Timberwolves (Fri. April 25, 9:30 ET, ESPN)

Game 4 – Lakers at Timberwolves (Sun. April 27, 3:30 ET, ABC)

Game 5 – Timberwolves at Lakers (Wed. April 30, TBD)*

Game 6 – Lakers at Timberwolves (Fri. May 2, TBD)*

Game 7 – Timberwolves at Lakers (Sun. May 4, TBD)*

* = If necessary