Naz Reid shakes slump as Wolves outline Kevin Garnett jersey retirement
naz-reid-shakes-slump-wolves-garnett-jersey-retirement
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell in Detroit on Thursday night, but reserve center Naz Reid offered a promising sign by scoring 16 points and collecting six rebounds in 31 minutes while hitting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. The five-point loss to the Eastern Conference’s top club ended a stretch in which Reid had shot just 21% on three-pointers over his previous 14 outings.
“I’m dealing with some injuries and just trying to make things happen,” Reid said afterward. “Just trying to compete at a high level and do what I can do.”
Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year and fifth in that voting last season, had reached six rebounds only three times during his recent slump. According to The Athletic, he also appeared discouraged in Monday’s defeat at Dallas until guard Ayo Dosunmu made a concerted effort to involve him late. Head coach Chris Finch noticed the difference Thursday: “I thought he was really good defensively and active on the glass … then he started making shots.”
Ejection details surface
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported that Reid was fined $50 last week for telling veteran referee Scott Foster, “Y’all need to stop cheating, bro,” after a disputed overtime call against Houston, an outburst that led to his immediate ejection.
Dosunmu’s triple-double sparks lineup talk
Dosunmu produced 18 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists on Monday, prompting The Star-Tribune’s Michael Rand to question whether the third-year guard should start ahead of Donte DiVincenzo once Minnesota’s backcourt is fully healthy.
Garnett ceremony set for next season
The Timberwolves confirmed Friday that Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 jersey will be retired during the 2026-27 campaign. The Hall of Famer, who was announced as a team ambassador in December, will return to Target Center on April 12 for Fan Appreciation Night—his first appearance at the arena since 2018. “I can’t wait to come home,” Garnett said, praising the vision of owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
Source: Hoops Rumors
