Timberwolves on the brink; MLB says Comcast problem will doom Bally Sports; Lynx shine

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the long weekend in sports, which of course begins with the precarious position the Timberwolves now find themselves in. Down 3-0 to Dallas in their best-of-seven Western Conference finals after three clutch time meltdowns, the Wolves must now make history to advance to the finals. Can they start their climb back with a win Tuesday, or is this the end of a very good season? Plus Rand and Reusse get into the suddenly rejuvenated Twins, the heartbreak for PWHL Minnesota, the death of Bill Walton and the excellence of the Lynx so far.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand after a gut punch 109-108 Timberwolves loss to Dallas in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. Luka Doncic hit a go-ahead three in the closing seconds, while Naz Reid's attempt at the buzzer rimmed out on a night when the Wolves led most of the way. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns shot just 9 for 33 combined in the game. Edwards' indecisiveness and poor decision-making led to two turnovers in the final minute, while Towns sat on the bench for most of the fourth quarter as the Wolves tried to ride Reid's hot hand. Questionable coaching decisions and poor adjustments also told the story on a frustrating night that left the Wolves in an 0-2 hole heading to Dallas for Sunday's Game 3.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes note of Chris Finch sending a message to his players after a disappointing Game 1 loss in the Western Conference finals. The Wolves coach wasn't happy with the effort or results in a 108-105 defeat and let them know about it in a film session ahead of Friday's Game 2 against Dallas. Plus the Lynx lost for the first time this season, but the process remains good. 10:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to break down a strange season so far for the Twins. They've either been ice cold or red hot, particularly at the plate, and we'll see if they are the start of another hot streak as they come home to play Texas on Friday. 33:00: An opportunity for PWHL Minnesota on a busy night of sports.

Introduction: On Thursday's regular episode after a late night bonus episode on the Wolves, host Michael Rand starts with the Twins and a two-game winning streak to wash away the taste of seven straight losses. Plus Rand has leftover thoughts on the Timberwolves and the test they haven't yet passed this postseason. 13:00: Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joins the show to talk about PWHL Minnesota, which is tied 1-1 with Boston in the league finals. The series shifts to Xcel Energy Center on Friday for Game 3. Can Minnesota continue its playoff run, which took a dramatic turn in the middle of last series? 30:00: Caitlin Clark's rude introduction to the WNBA.

Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins host Michael Rand after the Timberwolves' 108-105 loss to the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Minnesota's stars were outplayed by Dallas' stars, especially in a critical fourth quarter when Luka Doncic took over on both ends of the court. Can the Wolves find more energy and better execution in Friday's Game 2 at Target Center? And can they find a way to get Anthony Edwards back on track?

Introduction: Don't mess with a winning streak, and definitely don't tolerate a losing streak. After the Twins scored just 12 runs during a seven-game losing skid, they ordered the return of their smoked meat talisman. The Rally Sausage arrived at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Washington, and a few hours later Minnesota demolished the Nationals 10-0. Coincidence? Only if you've never played sports. Plus Rand talks about PWHL Minnesota's playoff win Tuesday and an underwhelming Eastern Conference finals Game 1. 11:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 against Dallas at Target Center. What will it take to beat the red-hot Mavericks? Can the Wolves handle being the favored team? And is this really happening? 39:00: Draymond Green at Target Center? And Sam Darnold on J.J. McCarthy.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Twins, who were hammered again Monday. They've lost seven straight and have been outscored 45-12 in that span -- all of it coming immediately after they had won 17 of their previous 20 games. Jhoan Duran is frustrated. Rocco Baldelli is frustrated. A players-only meeting was held. What's going on here? 11:00: Star Tribune writer, editor and unabashed Wolves fan Jeff Day joins Rand to shine a light on the joy this fan base is experiencing right now. Sunday's Game 7 comeback is giving way to a new level of belief heading into the Western Conference finals. 42:00: Boston vs. Indiana starts tonight, and Boston vs. PWHL Minnesota continues tonight.

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a breakdown of the Wolves' historic Game 7 comeback win over Denver. Trailing by 15 at halftime and 20 in the third quarter, the Wolves stormed back for a 98-90 victory. The heroes and big plays piled up as Minnesota advanced to the conference finals for the second time in franchise history -- on the 20th anniversary of the first time they clinched a trip. Now the Wolves will have the home court advantage against No. 5 seed Dallas, which is on its own run behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Can Minnesota reach the NBA Finals for the first time? Plus Reusse and Rand get into PWHL Minnesota and the suddenly slumping Twins. And a Reusse playoff hockey rant comes at you fast out of nowhere.

On a special bonus edition of Daily Delivery, Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine reports from Denver and checks in with host Michael Rand to set the stage for Sunday's huge Game 7 between the Wolves and Nuggets. A series that has already seen three blowouts -- including a 115-70 Wolves rout in Game 6 at Target Center -- is undeniably hard to predict. But Hine and Rand will examine some of the keys to the game as well as what adjustments both teams might try to make. The game comes 20 years to the day after the Wolves defeated the Kings in the only other Game 7 in franchise history. Will Anthony Edwards be ready for his Kevin Garnett moment?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' Game 6 rout of the Nuggets, another twist in a strange series that now leads to a deciding Game 7 in Denver on Sunday. The final score was 115-70, with the Wolves taking control early after a sluggish start. That deciding game, by the way, will come 20 years to the day after the only other Game 7 in franchise history: Wolves 83, Kings 80 in the Western Conference semifinals. 16:00: Kent Youngblood joins Rand ahead of Friday's Lynx home opener to talk about offseason additions already paying dividends for Minnesota and a surge in league popularity fueled in part by rookie Caitlin Clark. 38:00: PWHL Minnesota has a winner-take-all game Friday, while the Twins didn't score in 26 straight innings against the Yankees.