2 studs, 1 dud from Timberwolves’ preseason win vs Lakers

Stud: Luka Garza

The most unexpected big performer Wednesday night was undoubtedly the Timberwolves’ training camp signee, Luka Garza. As a player who’s fighting for a roster spot, Garza certainly took a step forward in that department after his huge outing against the Lakers.

In just 12 short minutes, Garza poured in 15 points and four rebounds, grabbed a steal and nailed five of his nine shots from the floor. Luka didn’t do it while playing a typical big man’s game either, as he netted three of four shots from beyond the three-point arc as well.

It was an eyebrow-raising game for Garza that has to at least leave him feeling better about his chances of making the final roster. After being a late second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Luka knew he would have to prove himself to have a chance at playing in this league.

While he had been mostly an afterthought on this roster until now, Garza certainly did enough to make the Timberwolves at least think twice before letting him go. Preseason is the time for players with an uncertain future to carve out a path for themselves, and it’s performances like this one that can give a player like Luka the shot they need.

Garza’s inside-out game that he showed glimpses of on Wednesday is what could give him a chance of remaining with the Timberwolves past the preseason.