The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by an exceptional performance from their bench unit. On a night dedicated to celebrating the team’s “AE Night,” the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to Anthony Edwards’ supporting cast. The Timberwolves bench significantly outscored the Lakers, (54-22), showcasing a dominant performance by Naz Reid (15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (15 points, 4 assists), and Donte DiVincenzo (11 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists). This trio’s impactful contributions highlight the team’s potential for consistent success in the Western Conference.
While Anthony Edwards’ scoring was relatively subdued (8 points), his reduced minutes in the second half underscore the positive impact of his teammates’ elevated performance, effectively sharing the offensive burden. Rudy Gobert’s impactful presence in the paint was also a key factor in the victory. His defensive prowess translated into numerous offensive opportunities, resulting in at least six dunks and final game statistics of 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Lakers’ star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, struggled against the Timberwolves’ tenacious defense, shooting a combined 8-of-30 from the field.
The Timberwolves’ defensive intensity effectively stifled the Lakers’ offensive production, securing a significant win and extending their winning streak to two games. This performance demonstrates a promising development for the team, suggesting a balanced offensive approach and improved defensive capabilities.
The next home game for the Minnesota Timberwolves will be on December 19th as they take on the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns in his 1st game back in Minnesota since the trade.
Tonight is going to be crazy and wild as it’s one of the most intense nights in WWE. Extreme Rules is here and boy are we in for a great night of matches. Multiple titles are on the line and so many feuds will either continue to grow or will end at Extreme Rules. Will we have new champions at the end of the show or will every champion continue their reigns? Sit back and watch because it’s going to be an exciting night for the WWE Universe.
‘I Quit’ Match: Edge vs. Finn Balor
A dream match for most fans. Never have the two been in the ring in a one-on-one situation and tonight the WWE Universe will see a match that will always be remembered. It all started with betrayal. Edge at one point this year lead The Judgement Day and Finn was part of the movement. But it did not last long as Balor and the rest of the Judgement Day turned on Edge and now Edge is out for revenge. It’s a one-on-one match but it will not feel like one as Edge will not only deal with Finn Balor but he would also need eyes on the back of his head because Judgement Day will be nearby not knowing what they may do. Despite the huge obstacle Edge may face he will be victorious.
Prediction: Edge defeats Finn Balor
Strap Match: Karrion Kross vs. Drew McIntyre
In what can be the biggest and most exciting match of the night we have up-and-coming superstar Karrion Kross looking to continue to make a name for himself. After his return in August he started the feud with Drew after attacking him from behind the same night he returned and multiple shots at Drew that he was picked to be the future of the WWE but failed and was the wrong pick by the company. Drew with so much on the line at Extreme Rules in a match that can jumpstart his career or could put him back in the same place where we just don’t know what his future holds or if he will ever be a champ again.
Prediction: Karrion Kross defeats Drew McIntyre
Fight Pit Match: Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins always knows how to put on a show at any PPV he is a part of. As of late, he has been on the mic talking about being the champion one day and that the champ has been avoiding him. But before he could get there he has to finish his feud with Matt Riddle who we had no idea where he would be after losing tag titles and losing his partner to injury. After a lot of back and forth and plenty of things said that were really personal just heated up this match up so much more. Will Riddle win and continue to build his name as a solo or will Rollins win another PPV match and lead him to a title shot? Also, this match will have a special guest referee. UFC Hall of Fame Daniel Cormier could have a huge part in Rollins losing tonight so keep eye on him during the match.
Prediction: Riddle defeats Seth Rollins
Ladder Match for Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley
She is back and ready to make some noise. The surprise return of Bayley at Summerslam definitely brings a spark to the women’s division. Confronting Bianca Belair after defending her title. Bayley has been out for some time now and now that she is back she is ready to be a champ again. And to do so she will have to win a match that is only fitting for Extreme Rules. How far is Bayley willing to go to take the title from Bianca the same can be said for Belair. What is she willing to do and how much pain is she willing to endure to hold on to that title? This will be the most exciting title match of the night and should be full of excitement. Turn your phones off and keep your eyes on this match because you won’t want to miss any of it.
Lately, the WWE women’s division hasn’t had much momentum before the resignation of Vince McMahon. From what seemed very limited superstars to challenge for the Raw or Smackdown Women’s title to the women’s tag team titles that we haven’t heard any news on since the walkout of Sasha Banks and Naomi leaving the belts vacant. With the new Triple H era underway what changes will be made for the division?
As of late, we have mostly seen the women’s raw title switch between a few superstars with little options of a new face to hold the title or challenge that would keep the WWE Universe entertained. The belt has only been held by Charlotte Flair 2x, Becky Lynch 1x, and Bianca Belair 1x all in the past year. Is it time for a new challenger for the Raw belt, someone who could start a great feud with Belair?
With a surprise return at Summerslam Bayley is back after a long-awaited return from injury. A new look and a new attitude to kick off the Triple H era. She was not alone and she was accompanied by Dakota Kai who was released in April and also by her side was Io Shirai. The return of Bayley is a big boost for the division as she is set to face off against Bianca Belair in a 3v3 tag team match at Clash at the Castle which includes Alexa Bliss, and Asuka in Bianca’s corner and Dakota Kai and Iyo sky in Bayley’s.
The new women’s Smackdown Champion Liv Morgan is a feel-good story and refreshing for WWE. Liv went into the Money in the Bank not expected to win but pulled off the victory in a match that included former champs Becky Lynch, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss. On that same night, Liv Morgan was successful cashing in her contract and defeating Ronda Rousey shortly after defeating Natalya to retain the title. The WWE Universe seems to enjoy Liv being the Smackdown Champion and she will be defending her title for the second time at Clash at the Castle against Shayna Baszler.
With all that being said the biggest question of the WWE Women’s division is what is going on with the Women’s Tag Titles? Recently held by Sasha Banks and Naomi after winning the titles at WrestleMania 38 defeating Natalya and Shayna Baszler. The two were looking to be one of the greatest teams to hold the belts and go on a long run but due to some differences with WWE creative team, the two walked out on a live event back in May resulting in a decision made for them to vacate the belts. No details on what exactly happened or what could have upset Sasha and Naomi to walk out on a live show.
Currently, WWE is in the middle of a Women’s Tag Team tournament to decide who will be the next tag champs. New faces in this tournament and after last night’s result on August 23rd during Raw it is very likely that the titles could be held by new faces as Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai move onto the finals and await their opponent between Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah versus the winner of fatal four-way.
Is there a lack of superstars when it comes to the women’s tag division? Seems as if there is a limited number of tag teams and teams that are just randomly put together just to make a match. And most of the teams to hold the titles just don’t last long as champions like the men’s division. Will there be a team in the future to make some noise in WWE? Will there be a team to make you say this team can be champs for a long time and entertain as they continue their reign as the Women’s Tag Team Champions? One of the biggest changes that are needed at the start of the Triple H era.
Photo Credit
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
After what I thought was a great WrestleMania filled with some great matches. From the cast of Jackass helping Johnny Knoxville defeat Sami Zayne and Pat MacAfee’s great performance in his first match against Austin Theory. The highlight of that night was the amazing moments from Stone Cold Steve Austin during his match against Kevin Owens then the most nostalgic moment of the night was when Steve Austin’s glass shatters as Vince McMahon is in the ring and watching his smile just disappear.
Ending with a couple of beers between the two and a stone-cold stunner to Vince and hearing the fans roar. Definitely, a memory everyone who watched will remember as it may have been Steve Austin’s last match and in my opinion, a great way to go out. After that night it leads us to WrestleMania Backlash on May 8th, 2022 the first PPV since the greatest night in sports entertainment. Let’s preview some of the top matches for the night.
Charlotte Flair vs. Rhonda Rousey (I Quit” Match) Smackdown Women’s Champion
Plenty of hate in this matchup that has built up since the return of Rhonda back in February. Many thought Rousey would have selected Becky Lynch for her opponent after winning the Royal Rumble but instead shocked the WWE Universe and selected to wrestle Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Rhonda coming back with some rust after some time off makes sense to select Charlotte who can make almost anyone look good in the ring.
Fans expected to see Rhonda win the title back but instead, Flair was able to retain her belt but the feud doesn’t end at WrestleMania as the two are ready to square off once again in the ring at Backlash in an (I Quit’ Match) where they will try to beat the hell out of each other until one can’t take anymore. The last time we saw a woman in this type of match involved Stephanie McMahon against her father Vince McMahon so it’s safe to say this is the first ever women’s (I Quit”) match in WWE history.
Prediction: Rhonda Rousey New Women’s Champion
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollin
For weeks Seth Rollins was begging and begging for his moment at WrestleMania. Going out to the ring every Monday night asking for a match but each night he was unsuccessful until finally in Vince McMahon’s office the CEO of WWE granted him his wish and gave him his moment but against a surprise pick by Vince that would not be announced until the start of the match. WWE Universe already had their pick set on Cody The American Nightmare Rhodes to return and they got what they wanted. Cody came back to WWE on the greatest stage of the year and did not disappoint. Putting on a great performance and took home the victory on his first night back.
The fans were happy and enjoyed seeing Rhodes win but not so much Seth Rollins. On the first Monday night raw after WrestleMania Cody comes out to an amazing crowd full of cheers looking to see who his next opponent would be but that was cut short when Seth’s music hit and he walked into the ring. Seth Rollins said they have unfinished business before Cody can move on to his next opponent so Seth challenged Cody to another match at WrestleMania Backlash. They put on one of the best matches at WrestleMania and don’t expect any less in their rematch.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes Wins
The Bloodline VS. RK-BRO & Drew McIntyre
No title match at Backlash for Roman Reigns as he will be a part of a six-man tag match. Shortly after Reigns took home both titles home at WrestleMania The Usos feel like maybe they can hold two titles as well recently calling out the Raw Tag Team Champs RK-BRO. There have been plenty of words said or altercations on both Raw and Smackdown as of late. One night the RK-BROS get the best of The Usos and the next night The Usos return with their own retaliation. There has been great back in forth between the two teams to lead up to be possibly the best match of the night.
Roman and McIntyre were added to the six-man tag match after a brawl broke out on Smackdown during the unification contract signing. There is some history between Roman and Drew including their last match at the 2020 Survivor Series where Roman came out with the win that night. Now Drew wants his rematch but this time wants to take the belts from Roman. Not sure if this is what the WWE Universe wants as the next opponent for Roman but it’s well deserved for Drew after Backlash.
Prediction: RKO-BRO & Drew McIntyre Win
Other notable matches that are on the card are listed below. Only one title defense at Backlash
AJ Styles vs. Edge (Damien Priest Ringside) – Edge Wins
