The Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center on Sunday, missing a key player in Naz Reid due to a shoulder injury. Reid's absence was a significant setback for the Timberwolves, who were aiming for their fourth consecutive victory.
Reid has been in top form recently, making his absence even more impactful. He played in their recent win over the Dallas Mavericks, contributing 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in just 30 minutes off the bench.
At 26, Reid is making a compelling case for his second Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging career-highs with 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His impressive performance this season follows a lucrative five-year, $125 million contract extension he signed in the offseason.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has praised Reid's dedication and work ethic, which have been instrumental in keeping the team competitive. Finch noted, "He really started to rebound at a high level and make plays, running the floor and playing with more activity. That's what sparked his offensive game."
In addition to Reid, the Timberwolves were also without Rudy Gobert, who was serving a one-game suspension. This opened up opportunities for Joan Beringer, Ayo Dosunmu, and Terrence Shannon Jr. to step up and fill the void.
As of now, the timeline for Reid's return remains uncertain, leaving the Timberwolves to navigate their upcoming games without two of their key players.