StribSports Daily Delivery Michael Rand

Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes deep on Monday's dominant 106-80 Timberwolves victory in Denver that gave Minnesota a commanding 2-0 lead coming back to Target Center for Friday's Game 3. The defense was suffocating even without Rudy Gobert, while the Nuggets lost their composure and seem discombobulated. This is an unfamiliar feeling for Minnesota sports fans, and the joy is contagious.
14:00: Jon Marthaler joins the show to break down Minnesota United's strong start. Whether it's tactical changes, strong defense or good vibes, something feels different about the Loons. And they're doing it without Emanuel Reynoso, who is out of sight, out of mind at the moment. Come for the soccer talk, stay for the mid-2000s Gophers basketball references.
34:00: Sorting out how Twins fans are dealing with Comcast dropping Bally Sports North.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which of course starts with the Timberwolves' impressive Game 1 conference semifinal victory over the Nuggets. Anthony Edwards was tremendous, as was the defense. It puts Denver in a must-win situation going into Game 2 on Monday.
Reusse and Rand also get into the Twins' 12-game winning streak, which ended Sunday, plus the history of past streaks and the mess that is the team's TV situation.
And somehow a discussion of PWHL Minnesota led to remembering the Minneapolis Lakers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand sets up the second-round playoff series between the Wolves and Nuggets through the eyes (and quotes) of Karl-Anthony Towns. It's been a nine-year journey for KAT to get to the second round, and it's a lesson in continuity.
11:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand to discuss three compelling story lines. The Twins have won 10 games in a row, and the competition will get tougher with Boston coming to town on what should be a beautiful night at Target Field Friday. We should get an update on Byron Buxton's injury Friday as well. But the TV issue between Comcast and Bally Sports, which has left a lot of Twins fans without access to games, is looming over it all.
34:00: The Wolves ownership dispute heads to arbitration, while the Lynx and PWHL Minnesota have key games Saturday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Twins' 10-game winning streak, which has come from a balance of improved contributions up and down the lineup, timely pitching and -- let's be honest -- weak opponents. Can the Twins keep it going against better teams? And how much will Byron Buxton's latest knee injury and the dispute between Comcast and Bally Sports dilute the good news?
11:00: Harrison Wind, who covers the Nuggets with a podcast in Denver, joins the show to help preview the Western Conference playoff series between the Nuggets and Wolves. He and Rand will break down the matchups and what they are looking forward to in the series.
32:00: It wouldn't be a day if there wasn't transfer portal news for the Gophers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with some big news for local sports fans. Comcast announced Tuesday night that it was dropping Bally Sports channels, including Bally Sports North, after the sides were unable to reach a contract agreement. BSN disappeared from customers' TVs late Tuesday, and if this impasse is permanent it will have a massive impact on Minnesota sports fans.
10:00: Jeff Day joins Rand on two very different but interesting subjects: What it is like to be a Timberwolves fan after so many tough years and what it is like for college sports donors in the era of name, image and likeness.
47:00: The Knicks had the 76ers where they wanted them, and they let them off the hook.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gets right into things with Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III on a number of subjects. Neal was at the Vikings draft party last week and reports on the enthusiasm of the fan base after first-round picks of J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner.
Rand and Neal also break down how the Wolves dismantled the Suns and what a series against Denver will look like, while Neal offers a July timeline for the return of Royce Lewis even as the Twins continue to surge. Plus Neal has good perspective on the PWHL and Minnesota's push toward the playoffs.
27:00: More analysis of the NBA playoffs from Rand, praise for the Twins bullpen and a listener tries to explain the Falcons' decision to draft Michael Penix Jr.