NBA Northwest

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's second 50-point game of the season wasn't enough to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 116-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

After dropping 52 points, Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters he's "not satisfied" with the individual results when it comes in a loss.

"It sucks. Me personally, I play to win," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Winning comes first and foremost, and if I don't win, I am not satisfied. So maybe my 52 points tonight wasn't in the best interest of the team."

Gilgeous-Alexander set a career high with 54 points one week ago in a 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz.

The main issue on Wednesday night was Oklahoma City's usually-stout defense got picked apart by Golden State. Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II caused all sorts of problems.

Curry and Wiggins combined to make 10 of the Warriors' 13 three-pointers. Payton scored a season-high 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 25 minutes.

Losing is not something the Thunder are accustomed to this season, but they are 3-3 in their last six games. Two of those losses have come to the Dallas Mavericks, who eliminated them from the playoffs last season in the Western Conference semifinals.

Gilgeous-Alexander didn't play in the first game against the Mavs on Jan. 17. He is in the midst of arguably the hottest streak of his career.

In his last 17 games dating back to Dec. 23, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 34.9 points on 55.7 percent shooting with 5.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. He has scored at least 40 points six times during this span.

Even in the midst of what might be called a rough patch, at least by their standards, the Thunder are still comfortably in control of the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference with a 37-9 record. They are five games ahead of the Houston Rockets (32-14).

Despite the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander strengthened his MVP case with another 50-point outing. The three-time All-Star leads the league in scoring average (32.1 points per game) and is shooting 52.8 percent from the field.

The Thunder will look to get back on track when they open up a four-game homestand on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings.

The Los Angeles Lakers are known to be seeking a center before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but one of their top targets is reportedly off the table.

On Monday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that "oft-suggested Lakers target Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz is believed to [be] as close to unavailable as it gets with less than 10 days to go before the trade deadline."

The No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Kessler has quickly blossomed into one of the best young centers in the league. The third-year pro is averaging career highs across the board with 11.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting an NBA-best 73.3 percent from the field. He ranks second in the league in blocks and seventh in rebounds.

ESPN's Shams Charania recently reported that the Lakers tried to acquire Kessler "many times" but have "not been able to meet that steep price." The Jazz acquired Kessler when they traded star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the 2022-23 season, so it's not surprising that they're not ready to give up on him just yet.

Stein added that the Lakers are "not expected to join the hunt" for Chicago Bulls star center Nikola Vučević or Toronto Raptors veteran big man Jakob Poeltl, leaving them with even fewer options to improve the center position before the trade deadline.

The Lakers (25-18) are in a virtual tie with the Los Angeles Clippers (26-19) for first place in the Pacific Division, but they could still use some help in the frontcourt to put them over the top as contenders in the Western Conference. The Lakers have allowed opponents to shoot 47.4 percent from the field, which ranks 24th in the NBA.

The clock is ticking for the Lakers to identify a viable trade target, as it's now clear that Kessler won't be an option.

Anthony Edwards reportedly turned to an NBA legend for advice on handling certain aspects of the game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star reportedly asked Michael Jordan how to deal with the intense defensive attention he received this season.

"I was told by someone in his circle that three weeks ago Ant reached out to Michael Jordan on advice on how to handle some of the double teams and traps that he's seeing," Mark Jones said during ESPN's broadcast of Minnesota vs. the Denver Nuggets. "He's been extremely frustrated up until late."

Edwards is coming off a breakout year in which he led the Timberwolves to a 56-26 record and took them to the Western Conference Finals. The young star's success attracted more attention from teams on defense this year, which resulted in early-season struggles.

In December, Edwards averaged just 20.5 points per game. He was candid about the frustration that came with playing a more passive game than he's used to.

"That was a good brand of basketball, but it's not how I want to play, of course," Edwards said earlier this month, per The Athletic's Jon Krawcynski. "I'm only 23, I don't want to be just passing the ball all night, you feel me? … But the way that they're guarding me, I think I have to."

This month, he's been on a tear, putting up 30.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting a scorching hot 45 percent from deep. He had a career-high 53 point-night against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 4.

Whatever advice Edwards got from Jordan seems to be working. Now Edwards will try to stay consistent in his play as the Timberwolves look to make another deep playoff run.

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to have the Denver Nuggets' number.

Minnesota cruised to a 133-104 victory over the Nuggets on Saturday—improving to 2-0 against their Northwest Division foe this season—after eliminating the Nuggets in last year's playoffs.

BIG TIME DUB. pic.twitter.com/t8AB5n6KPz

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 25, 2025

The Timberwolves took a 71-60 halftime lead and a 38-31 advantage in the third quarter set the tone for a runaway win. Nuggets center Nikola Jokić had 20 points, 11 assists and three rebounds, ending his five-game triple-double streak.

The Timberwolves got great output from Julius Randle, who had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Seven Timberwolves scored more than 10 points in the victory, but it was Anthony Edwards who shined brightest.

Ant and the Wolves are cookin'‼️

📺 ABC, ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/8G4uaOZbJp

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 25, 2025

Anthony Edwards today:

34 Points
9 Rebounds
61% FG
+27 +/- pic.twitter.com/DKQXqGVPw2

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 25, 2025

Edwards scored 34 points and added nine assists, one rebound and one steal while going 14-of-23 from the field, including 3-of-8 from three-point range. He also set the Timberwolves franchise record with his 976th made career three.

ANT KEEPS BREAKING RECORDS. 👏 pic.twitter.com/7XImOM05jf

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 25, 2025

ANT LOGO 3 FOR WOLVES HISTORY 🚨

He passes KAT for MOST THREES in @Timberwolves franchise history 🎯

He's up to 34 PTS on 60.9 FG% on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/cZPW0Iesxg

— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2025

Fans took to social media to celebrate Edwards' efforts and leading his team past a bitter foe.

I’m convinced the Timberwolves just need to play 82 day games. Where has this team been hiding.

— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) January 25, 2025

Anthony Edwards is now the franchise leader in 3-pointers.

He’s only 23 years old. pic.twitter.com/dd9wjqF4fR

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 25, 2025

Anthony Edwards https://t.co/t7gLqfXgMQ pic.twitter.com/uP8iD1s4P6

— Top Troll 🦈🦈 (@eggywtf) January 25, 2025

Anthony Edwards should be an All-star starter this season.

— Colyns Mamba (@DonGambinoRex) January 25, 2025

any "capper" that told you to take Anthony Edwards under, unfollow that guy

— The 1 of 1 (@joshbpimpin) January 25, 2025

Anthony Edwards is so fun to watch. He is the proud owner of the Denver Nuggets.

— ScoobyDunk (@ScoobyDunk) January 25, 2025

The Timberwolves improved to 23-21 with the win and they occupy the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Minnesota and Denver will play two more times in the regular season, with the next matchup coming on March 12 in Denver.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert acknowledged his low rebounding totals to open the 2024-25 season.

"I have to be better," Gobert said Friday, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

The three-time All-Star is pulling down 10.2 rebounds per game this season, marking his lowest average since his 2014-15 campaign with the Utah Jazz. Gobert has also failed to record double-digit rebounds in three of his past four games.

It's a worrying trend for Gobert, which started during the 2024 playoffs.

While the Timberwolves' overall postseason run was impressive, making a Western Conference Finals appearance, their center struggled to remain a force on the glass. In 15 playoff contests last season, Gobert recorded just 9.8 rebounds in 34.1 minutes per game.

While rebounding totals can have a high variance on a nightly basis, his effort on the boards has still noticeably declined. This season, Gobert's averages of 3.5 contested rebounds and 1.9 box-outs per game both represent a decrease compared to his 2023-24 campaign (via NBA.com).

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch urged the 32-year-old to crash the glass after he failed to secure a late rebound during a 116-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 15.

"I think Rudy's gotta go get the ball in the air," Finch said, via SI.com's Joe Nelson. "He's trying to play a hand-to-hand combat game and he gets tied up too much doing that. He does get fouled quite a bit down there doing that, but it's really a hard one because you don't know who's initiated that. I'd like to see him go get the ball in the air, snag it."

Gobert has averaged 11.2 rebounds in wins this season compared to just 9.1 rebounds per game in losses (via Basketball Reference).

Minnesota hasn't been able to build upon its conference finals appearance, currently sitting at No. 8 in the West standings with a 23-21 record.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić will have some notable reinforcements if he ever wants to regale the world with his rendition of 50 Cent's "Many Men."

Following Tuesday's 144-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Jokić turned sheepish when pressed by TNT Sports' Adam Lefkoe about his apparent love for the song. The three-time MVP joked he might perform it one day but would "need three, four months" to learn all of the words.

Jokić says he'll maybe perform 50 Cent's 'Many Men' in the future 😆 pic.twitter.com/Mk4g2EmJSv

— NBA (@NBA) January 22, 2025

The postgame interview caught the attention of 50 Cent, who said he's ready to stand on stage alongside Jokić:

😏look if he says he gonna perform, we gonna perform I’ll back him up we will have the spot jumping. 🤷LOL • https://t.co/jnbpt4VX0B pic.twitter.com/82Ax9fjS6t

— 50cent (@50cent) January 22, 2025

Jokić has Nuggets teammate DeAndre Jordan to thank for all of this. During an appearance Jan. 16 on FanDuel TV's Run It Back, Jordan divulged that "Many Men" is the star center's favorite song. He also asserted that Jokić knows all of the words.

Many men wish death upon Nikola Jokic 😂🤷🏾‍♂️@DeAndre reveals the Serbian superstar’s favorite song, and it isn’t what you’d expect!@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/gLkmPgZ5Fx

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 16, 2025

Maybe it's too late to get the logistics together for Jokić and 50 Cent to serve as the halftime performers at the 2025 All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco. But it sounds like the NBA already has it headline act for the 2026 installment.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo is "out indefinitely" with a Grade 3 left toe sprain, the team announced Monday.

The announcement was made after an MRI revealed the extent of the injury DiVincenzo suffered during Wednesday's loss to the Golden State Warriors.

The Timberwolves stated DiVincenzo is "currently seeking a second opinion to determine the best treatment options going forward."

DiVincenzo is currently wearing a boot on his left foot, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo is out indefinitely due to left big toe injury and will receive additional opinion, sources tell ESPN. DiVincenzo’s foot has been placed in a boot. He was averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 assists, 42% shooting on 3s as a starter in last 6 games. pic.twitter.com/Cb7QPa5MME

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 20, 2025

DiVincenzo was playing his best basketball of the season prior to his injury. He started out the new year by averaging 15.3 points through eight games.

He earned a spot in the starting lineup ahead of the Wolves' home game against the Clippers on Jan. 6, and responded by averaging 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals in six games as a starter.

That stretch was capped by the season-high 28 points he posted against the Warriors prior to his injury.

Veteran guard Mike Conley, who was bumped from the lineup in favor of DiVincenzo, will likely remain in the starting five following the news.

The absence could also increase the pressure on rookie guard Rob Dillingham, whose minutes increased over the Wolves' last two games without DiVincenzo.

DiVincenzo's injury can additionally influence the Timberwolves' approach to the upcoming trade deadline.

Forbes' Evan Sidery recently reported the Wolves have been receiving trade interest in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is playing on an expiring contract.

Although Sidery reported the Wolves have "zero interest" in moving Alexander-Walker, the team could be compelled to make a move by their position over the second apron of the luxury tax.

If the Wolves decide to try and make a move before the deadline, the team could potentially look for a player who can space the floor and defend in return in order to fill in for DiVincenzo.

DiVincenzo was himself considered a trade candidate by "several contending teams" earlier this season, according to Clutch Points' Brett Siegel. The injury may have impacted his potential trade value if the Wolves were considering moving him by Feb. 6.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder's 127-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, clinching a 35-7 record, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has earned a coaching spot for one of the four teams in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

Daigneault will be the first Oklahoma City coach since Scott Brooks in 2013-14 to receive the honor, as the Thunder hold the best record in the Western Conference.

With tonight's victory, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has earned a spot to coach one of the four teams in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/lAh1Tpbqc9

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 20, 2025

In addition to Daigneault, an Oklahoma City assistant coach will also serve as an All-Star coach for one of the teams.

After the game, Daigneault told reporters that the opportunity is "an honor."

"Huge thank you to all the people that are behind the scenes on that, in the organization who work with the players not only this season but previous seasons. Obviously this has been a build and a lot of people have their fingerprints on that," Daigneault said. "So, a huge thank you to them and a huge thank you to the assistant coaching staff, many of which have been her for a long time and put in a lot of work."

"An honor."

Thunder HC Mark Daigneault talks being named one of the head coaches for #NBAAllStar 🌟 pic.twitter.com/ghYvbGM6Dn

— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2025

Daigneault won the 2023-24 Coach of the Year after turning around the Thunder, leading them to a 57-25 record after they finished 40-42 and 10th in the Western Conference during the 2022-23 season.

The Thunder have had a phenomenal year, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging a career-high 31.6 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals this season.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will introduce a new mini-tournament format, consisting of four teams and three games. Three of the teams will be composed of NBA All-Star selections, while the fourth team will be made up of the champion from the Castrol Rising Stars competition, held on Friday, Feb. 14.

The remaining two head coaching positions will be filled by the head coach and assistant coach duo with the best record in the Eastern Conference through Feb. 2, projected to be the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was the Anthony Edwards show Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 36 points an 116-94 defeat of the New York Knicks in Manhattan.

His dominant outing was highlighted by a two-handed poster in the fourth quarter.

ANT MAN POSTER ON THE KNICKS 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/5SZhGQZoK0

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 18, 2025

Edwards went 12-for-21 from the field and 8-for-13 from behind the arc while adding 13 rebounds and seven assists in the win.

The win marked Edwards' fourth straight game with at least 25 points, starting with his 41-point showing against the Washington Wizards earlier this week.

He is one of just four players averaging at least 30 points per game through the month of January.

Easily one of the best Ant games of the season. Controlling the game in all facets.

— Jake Paynting (@HowlsAndGrowls_) January 18, 2025

This has been Anthony Edwards' best game of the season. 31, 11 and 7. Attacking, shooting, finding teammates.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) January 18, 2025

This is a special Ant performance, wow

— Frank Ntilikina Fan (@Ntilikina11Fan) January 18, 2025

ant is very good at basketball

— ْ (@khlgrs) January 18, 2025

When Ant actually locks in, no one can touch him

— Clutchy (@mrclxtchy) January 18, 2025

We finally got the Ant MSG game

— Pg🦦 (@podg_145) January 18, 2025

people still don’t realize how crazy of a shooter Ant is

— Wolves Talk (@twolvestalk32) January 18, 2025

Donte DiVincenzo missed his return to Madison Square Garden with a toe injury, while the Knicks were short Karl-Anthony Towns due to a thumb injury.

New York suffered another injury scare when Josh Hart briefly left for the locker room Friday night before returning to the game.

if hart and kat are both out we might genuinely not grab another rebound ever again

— Playoff Pikl🥒🗽 (@pickleNYK) January 18, 2025

Think our luck with injuries is starting to run out

— WWKnicks (@WWKnicksPodcast) January 18, 2025

The Knicks can't really afford an injury to anyone in their starting 5. But KAT and Brunson have been banged up, OG might have an elbow issue, and now Hart might have a real issue

Tough to make it through June (or May) like this without insane luck

Hope Josh is OK

— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) January 18, 2025

The Wolves grabbed an early lead and maintained it throughout the game, despite the Knicks coming within three points of tying the game early in the third quarter.

Minnesota improves to 22-19 and 12-10 on the road with the win as they look to leapfrog the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference standings.

The Knicks meanwhile fall to 27-16 and 13-8 at Madison Square Garden. New York falls to 3-6 over their last nine games, a worrying stretch given the uncertainty as to how much time Towns will miss with his injury.

The Timberwolves return home for a Saturday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks will meanwhile look to get back into the win column with another home game Monday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren will be reevaluated in three-to-five weeks amid a pelvic fracture injury suffered in November, the team announced Friday.

Holmgren is continuing to progress in his return to play protocol, ESPN's Shams Charania added.

Holmgren suffered a pelvic fracture on Nov. 10 during a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

The Thunder said when announcing the injury that an update would be provided in eight to ten weeks, and that Holmgren was expected to return this season.

The injury, identified by the Thunder as a right iliac wing fracture, occurred after a hard fall following a midair collision with Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins.

Holmgren was averaging 18.2. points and 9.2 rebounds per game prior to the injury. At the time he had recorded 26 blocks in nine games, trailing only San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama for the league lead.

The No. 2 pick of the 2022 draft played all 82 games last season after sitting out the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign with a foot injury.

He returned in 2023-24 to finish as runner-up to Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year after averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while leading the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Oklahoma City will hope for Holmgren's return as soon as possible as the Thunder looks to lean on his defense while repeating as the top seed in the West next spring.