2 studs, 1 dud from Timberwolves’ win at 76ers

Stud: D’Angelo Russell

As much as he has been scrutinized by Timberwolves fans this season, credit has to be given to D’Angelo Russell where it’s due. On Saturday night, he looked like the point guard the Timberwolves need him to be.

While it wasn’t a career night, Russell looked much more like the player we’ve been accustomed to watching over the majority of his career. Finishing with 19 points and seven assists on 54% shooting, it was Russell playing his role to a tee that paved the way for Minnesota to come out of this one with the win.

Coming out of halftime, it was Russell’s quick decision-making on offense that gave the Timberwolves a spark when the 76ers were trying to close the gap. After gathering a loose ball a few minutes into the third quarter, Russell used a Rudy Gobert screen and pulled up for a three-pointer, hitting nothing but the bottom of the net.

The next trip down the floor, Russell watched as Gobert screened De’Anthony Melton, then got around the screen and put up another three without a second thought, again finding the bottom of the bucket.

As rudimentary as it might sound, the Timberwolves are a significantly better team when D’Angelo Russell is hitting his shots. His play will continue to be crucial to the success of this team.