Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 4.9.25

Apr 9

*Tell a friend to sign up for The Takeout today:* *https://cutt.ly/5jc87CG*

Worst Quarter in Franchise History Could Put Wolves in Play-In

There may be bigger losses, but in 20 years we’ll still be talking about Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks as the Wolves’ worst in franchise history. It was at the very least the worst fourth quarter.

Inexcusable. Indefensible. You name it.

The Wolves held a 24-point lead with less than 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter. A win would have put them in the driver’s seat for the No. 4 seed and home court in a first-round playoff series. But what happened next makes you wonder if the Wolves are really a contender.

Milwaukee scored 34 of the game’s next 37 points, and the Wolves didn’t even have a possession down the stretch with a chance to tie or take the lead. Minnesota’s come-from-ahead, 110-103 loss may very well put them in a play-in game early next week, instead of the fourth seed. Minnesota likely needs to beat Memphis and two non-playoff teams to even have a chance at avoiding the play-in.

How did it happen? The Wolves couldn’t shoot. They also couldn’t hold onto the ball long enough to even attempt a shot. They couldn’t defend. With still a punter’s chance late, they couldn’t grab a defensive rebound on two straight Bucks’ possessions. Jaden McDaniels had 11 points at halftime, and only two after. He’s the Wolves’ X factor. At his best, he’s very good. At his worst, he seems uninterested in even being in the building.

The Wolves were outscored 40-13 over the final 12 minutes. It’ll go down as the fourth-biggest blown lead in team history. Minnesota, by the way, was also involved in the league’s other 24-point, fourth quarter comeback, when they beat OKC.

Minnesota wakes up today in eighth, a full game behind Memphis for seventh. Of course, they’re also a game from fourth, but with three teams between them.

For what it’s worth, the Wolves handled it better post-game than the fans did. But what choice do they have?

Flower’s Final Home Game Tonight as Wild Clings to Playoff Spot

You can watch Marc-Andre Fleury’s final home game (unless something goes very wrong in a post-season) tonight for less than $50 at The X, as the Wild plays the worst team in the NHL, the bottom-feeding Sharks. He’ll also play Saturday’s game in Vancouver if all goes to plan.

What’s at stake? With four games left, the Wild clings to a four-point lead over Calgary for the final playoff spot. Seems safe enough, but the Flames have a game in hand, and the teams meet Friday in Calgary.

Lopez Injured in Another Twins’ Loss

The Twins fell to 3-8 last night with a 2-1 loss in Kansas City, but what’s most worrisome is Pablo Lopez’ hamstring. The Twins ace left the game in the fifth inning with a sore hammy.

Minnesota stood no chance against Royals lefty Cole Ragans, striking out 11 times in six innings. The Twins are hitting just a shade over .100 against southpaws this season.

Joe Ryan gets the ball tonight as the Twins try to avoid a second four-game losing streak in the opening 12 games of the season.

Sponsor The Takeout

Sponsorship packages are available! The Takeout is a great spot to advertise your small business. Get thousands of eyeballs on your product every month. E-mail ryanstanzel@gmail.com