The storyline was set up for this one as it would be the first time Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert played against each other since the trades this off-season. That would come up short as Rudy Gobert got injured early in the game and exited with (Groin Soreness) tonight. The Timberwolves had a great plan in store as they were throwing multiple defenders at Donovan Mitchell making it tough on him from the jump. Mitchell finished the game with 14 points only, largely because of the length on him from Edwards/Nowell/McDaniels. The Timberwolves were able to slow down the high-powered offense of the Cavaliers as they only had 4 people in double figures.
The Timberwolves on the other hand only had 3 players in double figures led by Anthony Edwards 26 point performance. It seemed as though anything that Edwards wanted tonight inside and outside he was able to get easily. Edwards did a lot of damage on the fastbreak and was able to get to his spots when it broke down into ISO. The Cavs had no answer for Edwards as they tried to throw multiple bodies at him but he was able to find the right person open. That person that would get a lot of touches because of that was Naz Reid. This man Naz Reid was playing like a complete monster tonight and got more opportunity after Rudy was declared out. Naz Reid was attacking the paint and had about 3 monster dunks that got the crowd into the game. It was one of those nights again that make you wonder why Naz Reid doesn’t have a larger role because, in those extended minutes, he was putting on a show. Then you release that Rudy/KAT are players that he would have to try to get minutes around and it doesn’t work but still he’s special. The impact that Reid had on tonight’s game was huge from an offensive and defensive standpoint. Naz finished the game with 17 points and was able to give the Timberwolves that boost that they needed to get the win.
Both Garza and Nowell brought some life to the floor off the bench as they combined for 25 points. As I said if this Timberwolves team gets production from the bench like this and Edwards continues to emerge as we wait for Towns this could be a scary team for anyone to face in the NBA Playoffs. Up next the Timberwolves, play the Jazz on MLK Day as they look to start another long win streak.
Photo Credit: (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Recent Comments