Opinion/Analysis

The Timberwolves lost their 6th straight game 135-117 Thursday night in Portland to fall to 2-6. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wolves have so many issues on defense and don't seem to be playing with the effort needed. He says many of their players are asked to do things they aren't capable of.

The Gopher men's basketball lost their 3rd straight road game of the Big Ten season 82-57 Wednesday night to fall to 3-3 in the Big Ten and 10-3 overall. Jim says the Gophers just haven't played well on the road. Factors could be different rims and environment or the travel but with no fans that can't be the issue.

The Timberwolves lost their 5th straight game Tuesday night in Denver 123-116. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says they did see some positives including a solid offensive game from D'Angelo Russell and from forward Juancho Hernangomez and energy off the bench from Jared Vanderbilt.

The Gopher men's basketball team is ranked 16th in the AP poll and 17th in the Coaches poll this week in Division I college basketball. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says Gopher head coach Richard Pitino has done a great job coaching this team with all the new faces playing key roles on the team.

The Vikings are committed to quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Mike Zimmer in 2021. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says The Vikings have Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman locked into 2 more years and Cousins is also under contract from 2021 and 2022.

The Gopher men's basketball team has won 3 straight games and 2 straight against ranked opponents after downing #17 Michigan State 81-56 Monday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Gophers are playing well together, rebounding better and finding scoring besides top returning point guard Marcus Carr.

The Timberwolves open the 2020-2021 season tonight at home against the Detroit Pistons. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Timberwolves can play better defense and it could start tonight. He says young players can become better defensive players.

The Vikings lost to the Bears 33-27 Sunday to fall to 6-8 on the season. The Timberwolves begin the 2020-2021 season Wednesday night at 7pm against Detroit, pregame on WJON at 6:30. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me Monday and Tuesday on WJON.

The Timberwolves won 129-127 in overtime at Dallas against the Mavericks Thursday night. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says the Wolves' best players are their guards and wings which could lead them to playing a lot of smaller lineups this season.

The Vikings face the Chicago Bears Sunday at noon, pregame on WJON at 11 a.m. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON today. He says because of the tough Arizona Cardinals scheduled it's possible the Vikings may not need to win all 3 remaining games.