Chris Finch gives the ultimate praise to Joan Beringer after stellar performance

For the first time this season, Rudy Gobert was forced to miss a game on Tuesday due to a one-game suspension. It was a tough break for the Minnesota Timberwolves for sure.

The silver lining? Also, for the first time this season, rookie Joan Beringer would be given his first opportunity for meaningful minutes with the NBA club. Fans of the team felt even more excited about the 19-year-old’s potential after the outing.

Beringer had a strong performance and after the game head coach Chris Finch praised the rookie.

"Hustle plays. Kept a number of balls alive, a couple tip-ins around the basket, just energy plays, hustle plays," Finch said when asked about Beringer's impact. "Challenged everything, loose balls, everything at the rim was contested. You know, before he went to the G League to now, you can just see he’s like figured out the composure of how he needs to play and how to use his energy."

Still somewhat raw and inexperienced, these are all the exact qualities that Beringer needs to possess in order to receive playing time. Timberwolves fans were able to watch Tuesday’s game and always be aware that Beringer was on the court due to his endless motor.

Joan Beringer makes his mark in 30 minutes of action

Without Gobert (and Anthony Edwards), the Timberwolves still found a way to blow out the Milwaukee Bucks on the road by the score of 139-106.

It was the first extended playing time for Beringer, and he didn’t disappoint. The 6-foot-11 center played 30 minutes and finished the outing with 13 points (6-7 shooting), five rebounds (four offensive), two assists, and a steal. Minnesota was a +30 with him on the court.

Entering Tuesday’s game, Beringer had appeared in just 15 of Minnesota’s first 40 contests for a total of 90 minutes. All of that action came in garbage time. He was sent to the Iowa Wolves of the G League twice, appearing in seven games for them.

Will Tuesday’s performance earn Beringer playing time when Gobert returns? I’m skeptical as long as Gobert and Naz Reid are active. I’ve advocated for Beringer to be given a shot, particularly since the defense is much worse with Gobert off the court. I’m just not sure if Finch will extend his rotation to 10 players, something he doesn’t do often (or could Beringer take Jaylen Clark’s playing time?).

Regardless, we now all know that Beringer is certainly capable of making an impact when called upon.