Can Matt Ryan answer these 3 Minnesota Timberwolves prayers?

II – Please give the Timberwolves an offensive spark off the bench

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a bit dependent upon their bench this season to get victories, a trend that may need to continue throughout the season. The problem right now is that the team’s bench is smarting from injuries to two key offensive contributors, and the remaining players have not yet picked up the slack.

While Matt Ryan may not be scoring 30+ points, particularly in a bench rotational role, he did come off the LA Lakers bench to have some offensive spark. Six points in nine minutes against the Denver Nuggets, eight points in 17 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 11 points in 18 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans are all worth noting.

Small sample but a promising debut

While he has only appeared once, his three points in four minutes when facing the Portland Trail Blazers are certainly promising. Perhaps even more promising is that he was one of only five players to emerge from that drubbing with a +/- rating of +3. And he was only one of three players to come into the game off the Timberwolves bench and sink a three-point shot and was the only player to do so in under 14 minutes on the court.

Not something to go too optimistic over, but a positive trend nonetheless. And as the Timberwolves sort through the roster, perhaps pondering a trade of either one of these two veterans, the team may create an opportunity on the roster for more minutes, or even a roster spot, for the young wingman.

The Timberwolves will get healthier, yes. But in the meantime, this team needs offense, and Matt Ryan could be one of the players on the team to generate scoring firepower.