The Minnesota Timberwolves are down 0-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In both games, Naz Reid has struggled to shoot from beyond the arc. However, in Game 2, Reid notched 10 points and was effective at the rim. Reid's play could sway the series, and he is one of the Timberwolves' most important players. Let's dive into why Reid needs to improve his shot selection for the Timberwolves to have a chance in Game 3 and this series.
Reid needs to be more active in the paint
In Game 2, Reid was 3-3 in the paint but 0-5 on 3-pointers. He is now 0-12 on 3-pointers this series. Driving and posting up more would help Reid build more confidence before settling for 3s. He has also made an impact as a rebounder and shot blocker, averaging 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in this series.
Reid's struggles date back to the past four games. In this stretch, Reid is averaging 6.8 points on 32.1 percent shooting from the field and an abysmal 5.9 percent from 3. Still, 4.3 of Reid's 7 field goal attempts have been from beyond the arc. However, Reid is shooting 80 percent on shots within 10 feet of the basket, including 60 percent at the rim. Given his struggles from distance, it's clear Reid must adjust his shot selection starting in Game 3.
The Timberwolves need better shot selection and more shot creation
Over the past two games, Minnesota is shooting 28.9 percent on 45 3s per game. Conversely, they have averaged just 32 points in the paint, which would translate to last in the regular season by a significant margin. They have posted a brutal offensive rating of 99 in the past two games. Shot selection has been an issue for the Timberwolves overall, and Reid is one of the biggest culprits of this. In Game 3 and for the rest of the series, this must change.
Reid is undoubtedly one of the best floor-spacing big men in the league. However, when the shots aren't falling, you have to change up your approach. Reid is also a skilled shot creator and post scorer, so finding ways to score inside is a reasonable ask. While it's tough for the Timberwolves for one of their best shooters to be struggling, finding any source of offense should be the priority, and Reid can do that as an interior scorer.
Finding shot creation outside of Anthony Edwards is needed for the Timberwolves to fight back in this series, and Reid's inside scoring is the best option they have. Ultimately, if Reid is more aggressive in the paint in Game 3 and the rest of the series, Minnesota will have a far better chance of winning.