The Iowa Wolves’ season began on Friday, and they also played again on Saturday. Both outings ended in victories for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ G League affiliate. In the latter game, Tristen Newton, formerly a two-way player for the Timberwolves, put together a stellar performance to ensure that Iowa left with the dub. They are now 2-0 to begin the season.
Tristen Newton scores 35 in Iowa Wolves win
On Saturday night, the Wolves defeated the Cleveland Charge (the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate) by the score of 130-123. It was the second-straight day they played the Charge, also beating them the night before 137-124. Both contests took place at the Casey Center, the Wolves’ home arena.
In the second game, the 24-year-old Newton was the star player for Iowa. His final numbers on the evening consisted of 36 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. The two-time national champion at UConn shot 12-22 from the field, 9-14 from beyond the arc, and made his one free throw try.
The third quarter is when Newton really shined, as 15 of his points came in that frame. They all came from long range, as the 6-foot-4 guard nailed all five of his 3-point tries in the third.
Now, Newton didn’t perform quite as well in the Wolves’ season opener, at least with his scoring efficiency. He scored 15 points on 4-14 shooting from the field (1-7 from 3-point range). Newton still made a large impact in the win though, as he added nine assists, four rebounds, three steals, and was a +18.
Played 3 games for the Timberwolves last season
The 49th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Pacers, Newton began preseason as a two-way player for Minnesota. That is no longer the case, as the Timberwolves waived Newton in order to add Johnny Juzang to a two-way contract.
Newton didn't shoot the ball all that well in preseason (33.3% on threes), especially when compared to Juzang (made 48.3% from 3-point territory). Newton performed well in the summer league, which led to the Timberwolves once again giving him a two-way deal. The other two players currently on two-way deals for Minnesota are Enrique Freeman and 2025 second-round pick Rocco Zikarsky.
After Newton was waived by the Pacers in January, he was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Timberwolves. He was on a two-way with Minnesota the rest of the season and appeared in three games for the NBA club. Newton's three career points in the NBA are with the Pacers, a team he played five outings for before he was let go.