Minnesota Timberwolves: Takeaways from win over Philadelphia 76ers

Leandro Bolmaro has to be ready to contribute offensively

It was quite the surprise, to say the least when Leandro Bolmaro popped up from the bench halfway through the first quarter to come in for Russell as Minnesota’s first sub. After all, Bolmaro has played almost solely in garbage time thus far this season.

Concerns about the Argentinian’s ability to handle the NBA game physically seem to have been answered. He was a perfectly capable athlete and even presented the 76ers with some problems as a long, rangy defender.

“We just felt that it was time, let’s see what he can do,” Finch said of Bolmaro. “He gives us some size, a defensive presence, ball skill, a backup point guard option, as well. He was really solid tonight, played very, very well.”

The problem was that the 76ers felt no need to defend Bolmaro. His defender repeatedly left him alone to double Towns, and he wasn’t willing to put it up on multiple occasions when he had an open look at a jump shot. He finished with three points and three rebounds in 17 minutes.

This isn’t the end of the world; he’s going to continue to work on the jumper, and it seems likely he’ll be comfortable enough to put it up at some point. But on this night, it hurt the Wolves, so it’s fair to wonder if his stint as a core rotational piece will end at one game — for now.

Minnesota moves to 10-10 on the season and returns to the Target Center to host the Indiana Pacers (9-12) on Monday night.