Recent content from Jerry Zgoda
Taylor Pendrith rolls into second-round lead at 3M Open
Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith had a bogey-free 64 under windy conditions at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.
Sahith Theegala, one of world's top players, seeks 3M Open title
The 11th-ranked golfer would like to start by simply making the cut at PGA Tour event.
Live from the 3M Open: Jacob Bridgeman in the lead as Billy Horschel withdraws
Bridgeman shot an 8-under 63 in the morning round at the TPC Twin Cities.
British Open runner-up honors pledge to Minnesota's 3M Open
Billy Horschel is one of the headliners at the TPC Twin Cities this week in Blaine.
Ryder Cup captain Bradley is on scouting mission at 3M Open
Troy Merritt is returning home again to play in the PGA Tour event at the TPC Twin Cities.
Olympian van Rooyen skips opening ceremony to play in 3M Open
Former Gophers golfer Erik van Rooyan will represent South Africa at the Paris Games.
Rose, after contending in British Open, withdraws from 3M Open
Claret Jug runner-up Billy Horschel is still set to play at Blaine this week, however.
Everything you need to know about the 3M Open
The PGA Tour event begins Thursday at the Tournament Players Club in Blaine.
PGA Tour's 3M Open will have rising star in the field
A pair of 20-year-olds, Nick Dunlap and Luke Clanton, will play at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine this week.
The golfing VanArragons build on that championship summer
Blaine's Caleb and Kathryn VanArragon swept the state's open and amateur tournaments in 2023, the first brother and sister to do such a thing. They called it "a lot more than we expected" and "hard to repeat."
Loons end losing streak at six with 1-1 draw at Houston
Robin Lod broke a scoreless tie with a 70th-minute goal, but Minnesota United gave up a goal 12 minutes later in playing to a draw that stretches its winless streak to eight matches.
Carson Herron wins Minnesota State Open after three-man playoff
The victory at Rush Creek in Maple Grove was the first victory in four years for the son of PGA golfer Tim Herron.
Lakeville's Wahl gets summer league tryout with Timberwolves
Former Wisconsin standout Tyler Wahl will join the team for the Las Vegas Summer League, after the 6-9 power forward went unselected in the NBA draft.
Here's a Timberwolves player to keep your eyes on
Jaylen Clark missed all of last season, but the 2023 draft pick has started his comeback at the Las Vegas Summer League.
3M Open field will include Finau, Theegala, Rose
The Tour stop is the last weekend of July at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.
Loons' June swoon continues with 3-2 loss at Portland
Minnesota United's losing streak hit four games as the team couldn't protect a two-goal lead.
Loons roster still thin entering Saturday's game at Portland
Four players still away on international duty, plus a red card and a recent transfer, makes for a young Minnesota United bench with the Timbers right below them in the standings.
Gophers guard Cam Christie drafted by Los Angeles Clippers
Christie was the 46th overall pick in the NBA draft after one season of college basketball.
Timberwolves' second-day draft deals don't add players but save cash
The team's moves Thursday night during the draft's first day to obtain guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. addressed a need for ballhandlers who can break down defenses and score.
Loons say goodbye to Arriaga and Eriksson, with roster depleted
Minnesota United is transferring Kervin Arriaga to a Serbian club, and Victor Eriksson is heading home to Sweden to play for Hammarby.
Loons go down to 10 men in 26th minute, lose to Austin FC 1-0
Minnesota United midfielder Hassani Dotson got a red card in the 26th minute, and Austin ended a five-game winless streak despite the Loons' strong second half.
Shorthanded Loons take long view on international call-up absences
"It's always a good thing when your players are called to their national teams," midfielder Wil Trapp said. "We can't forget that."
Loons' woes continue with 5-3 loss at Dallas
Missing nine players for various reasons, the Loons relied on some young faces to fill the roster and saw their record fall to 1-3-2 in their last six games.
Twins, A's rained out, will play split doubleheader at Target Field on Sunday
The teams will play as regularly scheduled at 1:10 p.m. Sunday, then play the series finale at 6:40 p.m.
Kepler delivers twice as Twins rally to beat A's in 10 innings
Max Kepler became Target Field's all-time home run leader with a tying three-run blast in the sixth inning, then hit a walk-off RBI single in the 10th.
Twins appreciate breaking up routine with City Connect uniforms
The blue threads make the Twins "feel like a new team," manager Rocco Baldelli said.
Connelly plans to stay at the top with soaring Wolves
The team's core players also are set to return next season, although there will be salary cap issues.
10 clutch points: 3-0 strikes Wolves; Snoop in the house; Can't stop Luka
When the Wolves fell behind 3-0 in the West finals it quickly became a statistical question of when, not if they would lose the series.
Wolves enter Game 5 vs. Mavs with renewed hope, fighting chance
Dallas leads the NBA Western Conference finals series 3-1.
10 clutch points: Wolves stars deliver, Doncic on blame, Barkley on weather
The Timberwolves kept the playoffs alive in large measure because the players expected to carry them came through — and Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic claimed that he didn't
Game 4 preview: Timberwolves hope to finally solve Mavericks
Dereck Lively is out and Luka Doncic is questionable for the Mavericks, who lead the best-of-seven NBA Western Conference finals series 3-0.
Ten clutch points: Edwards' dunk. Lively's injury. No hope at 0-3?
Anthony Edwards provided another one of his signature postseason moments but Dallas left the Wolves in a hole that has no winning precedent.
Timberwolves-Mavericks Game 3 preview: TV-radio information, statistics, injury report
Dallas leads the best-of-seven Western Conference finals series 2-0 after winning two at Target Center.
10 clutch points: Reid's phenomenal night not enough to top Mavs
The Mavericks stole Game 2 despite Naz Reid's electric performance, as their trade pieces Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington provided the difference alongside Dereck Lively
Wolves look for rapid rebound vs. Mavericks in Game 2
Only five teams in NBA history have come back to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first two at home. The Timberwolves would prefer to avoid having to face those odds.
Finch to players: 'A long time since I've been this disappointed'
The coach aimed to correct a problem with harsh words: "The Western Conference finals started. Not sure if they got the memo. But they got it this afternoon."
10 clutch points: Doncic shows out, Ant slighted, Kyrie can't be stopped
Luka Doncic dominated the fourth quarter as the Mavericks rallied to win Game 1. Also, Kyrie Irving can't be stopped and Anthony Edwards questions a vote.
Wolves vs. Mavs. Which stars shine brightest? Better coach? Who wins?
We have player-by-player matchups for the Western Conference finals, which begin tonight. Also, stats to know, a look at the coaches and the Star Tribune's prediction for the best-of-7 series.
Timberwolves land two players on NBA all-defensive teams
Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels made the squad, along with Orlando's Jalen Suggs.
Wolves host Mavs team led by Doncic, Irving to start series
The teams open the NBA Western Conference finals Wednesday night at Target Center.
10 clutch points: Ant picks an MVP, Naz Reid takes over, Rudy's big shot
Foul trouble for the other Wolves' big men gave Naz Reid a place in the fourth-quarter spotlight. Plus, a myth is busted and Rudy Gobert provides unexpected offense.
Wolves at Nuggets Game 7 preview: Conley, Murray both questionable
Both Mike Conley and Jamal Murray have played through their respective complaints so far this series, to varying levels of success.
'They destroy us': Jokic, Malone on how Wolves took apart Nuggets
Denver's superstar center and its veteran coach listed the reasons why the Timberwolves were able to win Game 6 by 45 points. "They hit us first, they hit us second and they hit us third," Malone said.
![Karl-Anthony Towns dunks the ball during the first quarter of Game 6.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZBFNXBXEAJAOLGVPD7GZH26LLQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
10 clutch points: Conley's calf, KAT's knee and Ant's brother are keys
How did this happen after the last three games? Here's how it all came together for the Wolves in their 110-75 thumping of the Nuggets.
It's win at home or go home for Wolves vs. Nuggets in Game 6
Denver can end the Wolves' season with a victory in Game 6 on Thursday night at Target Center.
10 clutch points: Edwards out of sync, Conley out, Denver works refs
The Wolves couldn't find a lineup .that could compete with the Nuggets in Game 5, a task made more difficult with Mike Conley injured and Anthony Edwards having an off night
Game 5 questions: Can Wolves stop Gordon, give Edwards some help?
Forward Aaron Gordon hit his first 10 shots for the Nuggets in Game 4 and it sometimes felt like Anthony Edwards was the only Wolves player hitting his shots. Will that change tonight?
Road warriors: Best-of-seven playoff down to best-of-three battle
The Wolves smoked the Nuggets twice in Denver. The Nuggets hit back in Minneapolis. Can the Timberwolves win in Denver again and set up a series-clinching win at Target Center?
10 clutch points: Murray strikes a pose. Edwards has 44. Where's KAT?
Karl-Anthony Towns needed 18 shots to score 13 points and Jamal Murray made quite a scene on the court with his 60-foot buzzer beater at the end of the second quarter.
Wolves vs. Nuggets Game 4 preview: NAW stays off injury list
Nuggets coach Michael Malone used all the badmouthing of the defending champions as motivation; now the Wolves will need to respond.
Ten clutch points: Murray, Finch, celebrities and other observations from Game 3
The Timberwolves were blitzed 117-90 by the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Timberwolves are healthy ... well, except the coach
Chris Finch is playing in pain — and avoiding the pain relievers — as his team sails through the NBA playoffs.
The Wolves' defense is unmatched, even without Gobert
Point guard Mike Conley said extra effort from everyone helped fill the hole in Game 2 victory at Denver.
![Red Panda performers during halftime of game 2 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzal](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/T3EE3FMNUBCOZI3YXBOHALDQGA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Wolves halftime: Red Panda, balancing acts and a dog steal the show
Red Panda, "Christian and Scooby" and others are among the novelty acts that travel the continent to perform during intermissions of basketball and hockey games. "What you might be able to do on your feet, I can do on my hands," one said.
Gobert named Defensive Player of the Year for record-tying 4th time
The Wolves had the league's best defense this season with center Rudy Gobert as the anchor. He received more than 70% of the first-place votes.
Ten clutch points: Barkley says 'series is a wrap. Minnesota is better.'
NBA great-turned-TV analyst Charles Barkley gushed about the Wolves at halftime and again after they finished off the 106-80 victory. 'They're gonna sweep the Denver Nuggets.'
Ten clutch points about how the Wolves stole Game 1
Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid were the heroes, the Wolves made life difficult for Nikola Jokic and a broadcaster goes off on the officials over a call.
Breaking it down: Wolves-Nuggets matchups (and who's going to win)
The Nuggets easily defeated the Wolves 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs last season and went on to the NBA title. This year's series features more "big-boy basketball." But why should the outcome be different?
Timberwolves coach Finch returns to practice one day after surgery
Chris Finch had knee surgery Wednesday as the team prepares for its second-round playoff series against the Nuggets, which begins Saturday night in Denver.
KAT says Timberwolves are doing playoffs 'the Minnesota way'
The Timberwolves meet the defending NBA champion Nuggets next in the Western Conference semifinals — the first time in nine seasons that Karl-Anthony Towns will play in a second-round series.
NBA's best teammate? It's Timberwolves guard Conley
The league's players vote on the award, which Mike Conley won for the second time.
Loons score early, hang on for 2-1 home victory over Sporting Kansas City
Michael Boxall put the Loons up 1-0 before most of the Allianz Field crowd settled into its seats and Tani Oluwaseyi added another in the 25th minute.
Pretty much a must-win Game 3 for Suns as series moves to Phoenix
If the Wolves win tonight, Phoenix will face a challenge that no team has ever met in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series.
Edwards shows what he can do even when shot isn't falling
All-Star guard Anthony Edwards made only three of 12 shots in Game 2 against the Suns, but he still made a difference by creating opportunities for his teammates.
Naz Reid. That's the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year winner.
Reid is the first player in Wolves history to win the award and only the undrafted player to win it. The vote was very close.
KAT in early foul trouble, but came back big in second half
After sitting out most of the second quarter with three fouls, Towns was one of the keys as the Wolves pulled away from Phoenix.
McDaniels keeps his cool, then brings fire to Wolves win
He didn't back down when challenged and then channeled his anger into his play. With his scoring and defense, Jaden McDaniels had a big night.
Towns finds joy trying to stop 'best of the best' in Durant
Last year in the playoffs, Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns often defended Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. This year's challenge? It's Suns standout Kevin Durant .
Another big three? Wolves' Gobert, Reid, Finch are NBA award finalists.
The Wolves had three finalists named for league awards Sunday, with Rudy Gobert getting a chance to do something that only two other NBA players have done.
A different look: Gobert gets chance to show off on offense
Rudy Gobert's reputation is rock-solid defense. In Saturday's win over Phoenix, though, he contributed an vital three-point play that helped the Wolves grow their lead.
Wolves use reworked defense, tighter focus to beat Suns in Game 1
Finch adjusted coverage plans and kept his players on task after Phoenix blew out the Wolves at home to finish the season.
Edwards takes over third quarter despite Suns' defense
All-Star guard Anthony Edwards couldn't be stopped as he sparked a rally in Saturday's Game 1 victory.
Wolves vs. Suns: Here are the match-ups . . . and a series prediction
They say it's difficult to beat the same team three times in a season. What about a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh? Jerry Zgoda breaks down the playoff series.
Wolves, Suns needed time after making big trades
Rudy Gobert and Bradley Beal had to fit into their teams' offensive schemes.
At 36, Wolves' Conley pushes team to 'do it for him' in playoffs
Point guard Mike Conley is playing in the postseason for the 11th time in his career, but he hasn't been on a team advancing as far as the Western Conference finals since 2013. He wants more, and knows his chances are running out.
