The Minnesota Timberwolves had an unimaginable season. Their 56 wins had been probably the most in a season since they gained 58 in 2003-04, a season that led to a WCF loss. Their protection was unimaginable all 12 months and Anthony Edwards has exploded as a star. 

However make no mistake, their season is over.

Sadly, that is the truth of the 0-3 gap. Positive they will claw again and make it a collection identical to we noticed the Celtics do final 12 months after their 0-3 ECF gap, however the 154-0 file is the 154-0 file. It will take one thing by no means earlier than seen in NBA historical past to remain alive, and given the matchup points on this collection, I do not assume it is loopy to counsel ripping off 4 straight wins is not precisely on the horizon.

Apart from the 0-3 gap, there’s one other signal the Wolves season is over. They’ve now been on the receiving finish of the Luka Stare. As soon as that makes an look, NBA historical past has proven us that it is curtains for you

The great thing about these stares is not simply the truth that they’re hilarious and really demoralizing, it is also the truth that they nearly all the time come after Luka Doncic has given you absolute hell for 48 minutes. Final night time’s Sport 3 win was no completely different (with some Kyrie Magic sprinkled in as properly)

When he spends all night time busting your ass after which late within the 4th there’s some kind of stoppage or FTs occurring and he begins to stroll over to the opposite group’s star to unleash that smile/stare, that must be a brutal feeling. As a participant, there’s nothing you are able to do to cease it. As a fan, there’s nothing you are able to do to cease it. It is his signature kiss of dying transfer which I sneaky form of like. I positive as shit hope to not expertise it subsequent spherical, however as a normal transfer? A+. 

We have but to see it backfire and age poorly for Luka, which tells me he is selective as to when to make use of it. He waits till it is the ultimate dying blow, which is wise. A transfer like that loses all of the juice in case you hold doing it after which do not truly get rid of the opponent. However because it stands now, when you see it, it means your basketball season has come to an finish. That is powerful.

What makes Luka thrilling is there’s additionally the demon model, which we noticed in Sport 2

so it isn’t like Luka is a few kind of softy. He is a killer. He’ll fuck you up with no matter offensive transfer is required on the time, after which he’ll speak all of his shit proper in your face. I believe that is partly why I like the smile/stare transfer as soon as he is aware of he has you cooked. That must be so demoralizing as an opponent, and all you are able to do is simply sit there and take it. Take a look at Ant, Booker, and Harden in these images. They’re powerless and their solely transfer is to take it on the chin and prepare for his or her trip.

So to any Wolves followers on the market who’re perhaps nonetheless holding on to the tiniest little bit of hope, I get it. I have been there. Something is feasible, it isn’t over till the fats girl sings, and so forth and so forth. As a basketball fan, I am all in favor of the Wolves discovering a technique to win a recreation or two so we do not have to go 500 years with out basketball earlier than the Finals begin.

However successful the collection? I am sorry. Not solely is NBA historical past not in your aspect, Luka introduced out the season-ending stare. That is simply an excessive amount of for one group to beat, no matter who it’s.