Kyle Anderson’s NBA career began when he was selected with the 30th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Draft. He would spend his first four seasons with the Spurs before he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent.
Currently in his 12th year in the league, and in his second stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Slo-Mo is facing the first team that he played for in the Western Conference semifinals. After a Game 2 that didn’t involve enough ball movement (particularly in the first half), the Wolves could look to turn to the 32-year-old for Game 3.
Anderson would ensure better ball movement for the Wolves
It was an ugly first half for the Timberwolves on Wednesday. They scored just 35 points in the first 24 minutes, the least they have scored in any half this season. In that first half, Minnesota totaled just seven assists while turning the ball over 11 times.
Out of the rotation in Game 1, Anderson played 14 garbage-time minutes in Game 2's blowout loss for the Wolves. He dished out four assists in the fourth quarter, and while you shouldn’t read too much into numbers when the game is out of reach, ball movement has always been a key part of Slo-Mo’s game throughout his career.
Could Anderson be utilized in Game 3 by Chris Finch, at a time when the game isn’t out of reach for either team? Anderson totaled an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.13 in the regular season after rejoining Minnesota.
It may be difficult for Anderson to find playing time if Ayo Dosunmu is available. Ayo returned in Game 2 after missing the previous two playoff outings, but was forced to leave again with a heel issue. He is listed as questionable for Friday’s Game 3.
Slo-Mo certainly has his warts (has yet to hit a 3-pointer since being re-added by the Wolves). There’s no doubt, though, that he would help get the ball moving against an excellent defensive team in the Spurs. Perhaps getting him on the court could involve fewer minutes for Terrence Shannon Jr., who hasn’t hit a 3-pointer in either of the first two games of the series. Bones Hyland has gone three straight games without making a single field goal.
Friday presents a Game 3 that could have huge implications as to who ends up winning the series. Will Finch turn to Anderson, someone he counted on so often in the playoffs during his first stint with the team?
Add us as a preferred source on Google