2 Studs and 1 dud from first Timberwolves preseason game

Stud: Shake Milton

One of the newest additions to the Timberwolves roster, Shake Milton showed right away why he has the chance to be a very important piece for this team. Coming off the bench, he put up 12 points in 20 minutes of action.

Milton had a sharp all-around outing with four rebounds and a steal as well. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of his evening on Thursday was his efficiency. Shake shot 5-for-6 from the floor, including 2-for-3 from three-point range.

His timely shooting helped keep Minnesota in control despite a valiant second-half effort from the Mavs. This was exactly the type of performance Wolves fans are expecting to see from him on a regular basis this coming season.

He will not be part of the starting lineup, but Milton will look to bring playmaking and efficient shot-making to the floor in quick busts for the Timberwolves this year. Many opposing bench players will be shell-shocked going against his speed and high-octane shooting.

The hope is that Shake Milton can ultimately be a much-needed upgrade over Jaylen Nowell. After Nowell’s dismal shooting season in 2022-23 where he shot below 30% from three, it will not take much from Milton to replace his production.