Naz Reid injury further tests Timberwolves’ center depth
Minnesota’s center depth continues to deplete.
Already sans Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves lost Naz Reid in the first half of Sunday’s game against Chicago. Reid was torching the Bulls to the tune of 10 first-quarter points, but left the contest and went off to the locker room early in the second with an apparent shoulder injury. The team said Reid was dealing with trapezius tightness.
The ailment comes at an unfortunate time for the fourth-year center, who was again seizing his opportunity when it was presented. Reid dominated for large stretches of Minnesota’s win Friday in Oklahoma City, controlling the paint with 28 points and nine rebounds.
It was after that performance that Reid — who always seems to torch the Thunder — inferred that’s a product of opportunity.
“Fortunately but unfortunately, we always have something goes up with a couple guys on our team and it gives me a good opportunity and I’m able to do what I do,” Reid said. “Unfortunately, it’s against OKC — so unfortunately for them. I just go out there and do what I do.”
That’s the confident nature with which Reid was playing when the injury occurred.
“He feels extremely comfortable and confident,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said Friday. “He got off to a great start. He battled underneath. I thought his defense was outstanding, too.”
Gobert could soon be returning to action. But, for now, Reid’s exit opens even more opportunity for the likes of Nathan Knight and Luka Garza. Garza was the first center off the bench against Chicago, but it was Knight who stepped up and played well in Reid’s stead in the first half Sunday, pouring in 13 points. Many of those came at the rim off nifty feeds from D’Angelo Russell in pick and roll action.
Reid expressed confidence in both Garza and Knight earlier this month.
“Both guys are tremendous, both guys are like my right hand. I watched Luka in the G (League) … Watching him, he’s been able to do this, he’s able to do this, his opportunities are going to come,” Reid said. “With Nate, same thing. He’s a little smaller, but he plays with force and he’s a big impact, so I feel as though it’s opportunity for everyone.”
KAT joins the squad
Towns sat on the team bench during Sunday’s game against Chicago — the first time the center has done so since suffering his calf strain. Towns was previously in a boot and crutches, which made it unfeasible to sit with the squad.
Fresh new look
Minnesota unveiled its new remix court on Sunday, which featured the Wolves logo on a white backdrop at center court, blue and red on the baseline and a collage of red, light blue, yellow and green on the sidelines.
