Running with the Wolves

 

Running with the Wolves

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for January 26, 2025

Miss Sheri and I met Tim and Brad at Lion’s Tap, a spot known for serving some of the best burgers in Minnesota. It’s our monthly Clear Lake High School reunion, where we gather to discuss the state of the Vikings and other critical issues of the day. Between the burgers and the banter, I’d say we solved absolutely nothing, but we had a great time doing it.

Thursday night, we had the honor of stepping into Mayo Clinic Square, the heart of Timberwolves HQ, for a half-season members party. They set up dinner right on the Wolves' practice court—the same floor where Anthony Edwards perfects his dunks and Rudy Gobert swats shots into next week. Sharing a meal in the sacred space where the magic happens? That’s next-level cool.

After dinner, we had the treat of hearing the voice of the Timberwolves Alan Horton interview players Rob Dillingham and Josh Minott. They shared stories about their grind to the NBA, but the real highlight? Their brutal honesty about life off the court. Turns out, no amount of talent or money can save you from the misery of a 3 a.m. landing on a frozen Minnesota tarmac, trudging through the arctic winds just to get to your car. Even NBA players can’t out-dribble winter in this state.

The highlight of the night was getting a photo with Rob and Josh. We only had a minute, but they couldn’t have been more down-to-earth. I told them how impressed I was with their hustle and thanked them for doing this. They thanked us back, and then Rob called me "Bro." For one brief, shining moment, I felt like I made the roster. I mean, probably not starting lineup material, but maybe solid towel guy.

Friday night found us back at the Walters' ice house, and this time, I actually picked up a fishing rod. No bites in two hours, but hey, we weren’t there for the fish—we were there for the camaraderie. Apparently, the fish were there for neither. Still, good times. It’s not about what you catch; it’s about how enthusiastically you pretend to care.

Luke and I tapped out at midnight, leaving these brave souls to fish through the night. The ice house has beds and a bathroom, which is great—but there’s nothing like waking up in your own warm bed the next morning. Plus, I have this irrational fear of some lake creature popping up through the ice holes and deciding I’m its midnight snack. Call me cautious, but at least I’m alive to tell the tale.

Saturday afternoon, Luke and I hit the Timberwolves game at Target Center. An afternoon game was a refreshing change—finally a chance to cheer without worrying if bedtime would beat the final buzzer. Late games are great… if you’re a vampire.

Our opponents for the day were the Denver Nuggets, coming in with a strong 28-16 record and plenty to prove after the Timberwolves knocked them out of the playoffs last year in a gritty seven-game series. The Wolves, at 23-21, were clawing their way up the standings and riding the high of a two-game win streak. Denver had been red-hot, winning eight of their last nine games, but you could tell there was still some unfinished business lingering from last season.

Seeing Minnesota's quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy, and Andrew Van Ginkel in attendance was a highlight. When the cameras landed on them, they even led a little Skol chant for the crowd. It got me thinking—how do the Timberwolves not have a signature chant by now? Something primal, intimidating, and uniquely wolf-like. Because if Vikings fans can rally behind clapping over their heads, surely we can handle a stadium-wide howl without looking ridiculous. Probably.

The halftime performer was a chin balancer, spending the break delicately propping up tables, bikes, and even multiple ladders on his face. Don’t get me wrong—it was impressive, but it left me with one burning question: How do you even realize this is your calling? Did he just wake up one day and think, “You know what my chin needs? A dining room set.”

The Timberwolves took on the Nuggets in a showdown that delivered big plays and broken records. Anthony Edwards dropped 34 points and became the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, while Rudy Gobert dominated with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Final score: 133-104, Timberwolves. Jokic’s streak of five straight triple-doubles ended, but hey, at least he still got to enjoy our sub-zero hospitality.

@toddswank Timberwolves beat the Nuggets! #nba #minnesota #timberwolves #denver #nuggets ♬ original sound - Todd Swank