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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from win vs. Kings

By Dylan Jackson

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots over Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 03, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots over Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 03, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Sacramento Kings in a competitive game on Monday night.

106. 84. 116. 86. Final

The Minnesota Timberwolves broke their two-game losing streak on Monday in a strong performance from Karl-Anthony Towns in the fourth quarter.

Takeaway #1 – D’Angelo Russell is back.

Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell had an inefficient start to tonight’s game but finished with 7-19 shooting in addition to five rebounds and three assists in only 24 minutes of play. He was the Timberwolves leading scorer in what was his sixth game alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.

Russell came off of the bench tonight, and his in first sequence, recorded an assist. It will be interesting to see how the guard rotation pivots with him in the lineup again – although the loss of Malik Beasley might mean it does not change much from when he was playing.

Takeaway #2 – The Timberwolves very much need more complementary wings and forwards.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a few core players surrounded by either strong offensive or defensive players – but no one that can contend on both ends of the floor. Josh Okogie, Jarrett Culver, and Juan Hernangomez are all very good (or, at least, average) on their respective end on the floor.

The Timberwolves need players similar to Harrison Barnes, who gave them 21-12-4 on only 14 shots tonight.

Takeaway #3 – Naz Reid is a very good backup big.

Naz Reid had the highest plus-minus differential on Minnesota in tonight’s win on 4-8 shooting. He had ten points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block.

The biggest difference between Reid and most bigs is that he can step out and hit the occasional 3-pointer. And given what he has shown to be able to do this season, the Timberwolves should absolutely consider keeping him long-term.

Starting out as a r/Timberwolves meme, Reid has legitimately been able to impact winning, and that is exactly what Minnesota. Needs.

dark. Next. Early look at Wolves 2021 Draft Board

The Timberwolves’ next game is against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

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