Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from loss at Sacramento

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a close game to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night after Buddy Hield hit a clutch shot with less than ten seconds to go in the game.

The Timberwolves, now 16-44, have the second-worst record in the NBA, and maintain top pick odds in terms of staying with the top-3 of the lottery – although they only have a ~40% chance at keeping their pick rather than it conveying to Golden State.

Takeaway #1 – Naz Reid: good at basketball.

Naz Reid was very clearly the best player on the floor on either team tonight. He was excellent scoring and led crucial runs during the third and fourth quarters. Reid, an undrafted free agent in 2019, has averaged 11 points and five rebounds per game on 51/34/74 splits this season.

He has proven that he has the potential to be a core rotation player moving into the future – and a guy that was originally a r/Timberwolves meme has become one of the best young players on a very bright core.

Takeaway #2 – D’Angelo Russell/Karl-Anthony Towns is going to be a very good combination next season.

While the Timberwolves are seemingly out of playoff contention this season, the trade that net Minnesota D’Angelo Russell will be one that gets analyzed heavily this offseason. But Russell’s improved play since returning from his injury is a huge reason why Minnesota has become significantly better as of recent.

While we have not been able to see the team fully healthy (with the exception of the beginning of the year, the Timberwolves have a lot to look forward to.

Takeaway #3 – The Ed Davis trade was not a good one.

Before the season began, the Timberwolves made a deal with the New York Knicks that send Jacob Evans, Omari Spellman, and a 2026 2nd round pick. While 2nd-round picks don’t pan out very often, parting with one for 22 games of Ed Davis – a lot of whose minutes have come in garbage time, certainly isn’t favorable.

The Timberwolves’ next game is against the Utah Jazz on April 24.