Naz Reid's Sweat Equity Pushes Timberwolves To Snap Miserable Skid
The Minnesota Timberwolves finally snapped their five-game losing streak on Saturday night, thanks in large part to the gutsy performance of center Naz Reid. Reid, who started in place of the injured Karl-Anthony Towns, finished with a team-high 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Wolves' 116-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Reid's Surge in Form
Reid has been a revelation for the Timberwolves this season. After spending the first three years of his career in limited roles with the Memphis Grizzlies, Reid has blossomed into a key contributor in Minnesota. He is averaging 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season, and his 54.8% field goal percentage is second best on the team.
Reid's emergence has been particularly important for the Timberwolves, who have been hit hard by injuries this season. Towns has missed the last seven games with a calf injury, and D'Angelo Russell has also missed significant time with a knee injury.
A Night to Remember
On Saturday night, Reid stepped up in a big way for the Timberwolves. He was aggressive on the offensive end, hitting 8 of 14 shots from the field. He was also a force on the glass, grabbing 6 offensive rebounds.
But it was Reid's hustle and determination that was most impressive. He dove for loose balls, set hard screens, and was a pest on the defensive end. His energy was contagious, and it helped the Timberwolves build a 15 point lead in the third quarter.
Sustained Success
The Timberwolves will need Reid to continue to play at a high level if they want to make a playoff push. Towns is expected to miss at least another week with his injury, and Russell's return is still up in the air.
But if Reid can continue to produce like he did on Saturday night, the Timberwolves have a chance to be a dangerous team. They have a solid core of young players, and if Reid can continue to provide leadership and production, they could make some noise in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
Naz Reid's breakout season has been a bright spot for the Timberwolves during a difficult season. His sweat equity was on full display on Saturday night, as he helped the Timberwolves snap their losing streak. If Reid can continue to play at a high level, the Timberwolves could be a surprise team in the NBA this season.
Read also: Former My Chemical Romance Drummer Bob Bryar Is Selling The Drum Kit He