Yeah, it's not Denver's night.

'Again? I love it. I mean some of it could be jealousy or misunderstanding but for me it's just about being the best version of myself every day & eventually people will respect that & if they don't, that's on them. I'm living my dream.'

-Rudy Gobert after practice today.

Final Vikings mock. For all the marbles. theathletic.com/5433247/2024/0…

You knew I couldn’t cover the Thunder’s Game 1 win against the Pelicans without writing 3,000 words of nuggets from my notebook.

Now ⁦up The Athletic NBA⁩: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s “MVP moment,” Lu Dort’s shutdown D and a challenge to Thunder up! theathletic.com/5436077/2024/0…

Chris Finch said Kyle Anderson was able to practice today. Availability for Game 2 still TBD

#MNTwins roster moves:

- Louie Varland and Jair Camargo optioned to Triple-A St. Paul.

- Max Kepler activated from injured list.

- Ronny Henriquez called up from Triple-A St. Paul.

More on the Varland decision here: theathletic.com/5433396/2024/0…

Taking questions for the Jon Krawczynski Show right now. Winner gets SGLambChops shorts.

In an anonymous player poll, Rudy Gobert was voted most overrated player in the league.

Once upon a time, I might have agreed. Seeing him up close, the example he sets, the impact he has, how much he cares shows he’s not overrated. He’s essential. theathletic.com/5434633/2024/0…

Anonymous NBA player poll 2024: LeBron or Jordan as the GOAT? Most overrated? Finals favorite? theathletic.com/5433545/2024/0…

Why are the Pels shooting so quickly?

The Naz Reid towel is going to go down as one the greatest give-aways ever

Gobert, Naz and Finch all@awards finalists.

Mike Conley hasn’t asked the Wolves for anything since he arrived last year. This week, he asked them for everything.

A call to arms from their quiet leader infused Ant, KAT, Rudy and the Wolves to play with the desperation they needed in Game 1. theathletic.com/5431557/2024/0…

Devin Booker needs to star for the Suns to advance, and he didn’t do it in Game 1 ⤵️ theathletic.com/5431933/2024/0…

Here is Alec Lewis with a great read on Anthony Edwards' brilliant second half in Game 1.
theathletic.com/5432053/2024/0…

Adrian Peterson hanging out with Ant backstage wearing the AE1s. Some definite similarities in the physical dominance both showed on the field/court

Nickeil Alexander-Walker: +28 in 28 minutes and it absolutely felt that impactful

MIN 120, PHX 95.
A Minnesota mauling in the second half. 52-28 on the boards, 20-6 in second-chance points. 1-0 lead
Edwards: 33p, 9r, 6a
Gobert: 14p, 16r
KAT: 19p, 7r, 4a
NAW: 18p, 4r
Reid: 12p

See you Tuesday.

Suns have surrendered. Of all the teams in these playoffs, and all the fan bases, feels like this one needed a strong Game 1 the most.