The Minnesota Timberwolves entered their ultimate preseason recreation with a easy process for the gamers despatched to Chicago. They wanted to provide the teaching workers a cause to belief them when the common rotation returned. However preseason video games can depart a combined impression, particularly when one staff rests most of its starters whereas the opposite offers its principal group time collectively.
Minnesota wanted quite a lot of good particular person performances. It wanted indicators that its youthful gamers might assist the staff past the preseason, when the stress and competitors change into a lot tougher.
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Isaiah Evans And Jaylen Clark Made Their Case
Oct 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (7) grabs a rebound in opposition to the Chicago Bulls throughout the first half at United Heart. Necessary Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Photos
Minnesota misplaced 133-116 on October 16, however the ultimate rating doesn’t inform the entire story. Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Jonathan Kuminga rested in Minneapolis. The Chicago Bulls performed their projected starters, giving their common group time collectively earlier than turning to their bench.
That made the sport a helpful take a look at for Minnesota’s youthful gamers, even when it was not a good comparability between the 2 groups.
Isaiah Evans led the Timberwolves with 21 factors, capturing 5-for-10 from three-point vary. Jaylen Clark added 18 factors, seven rebounds, three steals, and a block. Drew Timme additionally scored 18 factors, whereas Cody Williams completed with 15.
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These 4 gamers mixed for 72 factors. That manufacturing issues as a result of Minnesota will want bench contributors throughout an extended season. Nonetheless, one robust evening doesn’t assure common minutes.
It is one factor to place up massive numbers as soon as; it is one other to do it in opposition to vets who know the right way to shut you down. The teaching workers is about to seek out out who the actual deal is and who was only a one-hit surprise.
Jaylen Clark Might Supply Clearest Path To Minutes
Evans’ capturing was probably the most eye-catching efficiency, however Clark’s all-around recreation could give him a extra direct path to a job. He rebounded, pressured turnovers, and guarded the rim whereas additionally scoring 18 factors. These contributions matter for a staff that wants power and dependable protection from its supporting gamers. That matches the plan behind bringing Clark again to assist Edwards and Ball with out requiring him to change into one other high-volume scorer.
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When Minnesota will get its principal rotation again, Clark remains to be going to should struggle for minutes among the many Timberwolves’ wings. It is one factor to drop 18 factors when the starters are sitting, however doing it in opposition to a locked-in, first-choice protection is a complete totally different story.
Evans proved how helpful his capturing might be by pulling down 5 three-pointers, however carving out common minutes in a packed rotation will not be simple. His skill to supply perimeter spacing after Naz Reid’s departure might additionally assist Minnesota create higher driving lanes for its main scorers.
Williams additionally chipped in 15 factors for Minnesota, although he struggled from deep, hitting simply one among his six makes an attempt. Whereas the teaching workers has loads of causes to be proud of what they noticed, each guys nonetheless have some issues to wash up.
Chicago Confirmed Why End result Nonetheless Issues
The Bulls deserve credit score for taking good care of enterprise in opposition to a youthful Minnesota group. Caleb Wilson completed with 16 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists, and two blocks, giving Chicago a productive efficiency throughout a number of areas. The Bulls additionally constructed their benefit steadily moderately than counting on one temporary run.
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Chicago led 67-60 at halftime and prolonged the margin by means of the second half. The Bulls completed with a 17-point win, however they weren’t overwhelmingly forward on the break regardless of dealing with a Minnesota lineup with out its main gamers.
That could be a helpful element for Chicago, too. The win was deserved, however the first half left room for enchancment earlier than the video games start to depend.
Minnesota’s younger gamers stepped as much as maintain the sport aggressive, however the staff finally ran out of gasoline over 4 quarters.
Whereas the bench confirmed flashes of offensive spark, the ultimate field rating highlighted a obvious subject: Chicago fully dominated the glass and dominated the paint. Transferring ahead, matching bodily groups inside will likely be a serious focus for Minnesota, particularly on nights when their beginning frontcourt is sidelined.
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Common Season Modifications Analysis for Timberwolves
Minnesota’s preseason is over, and their October 21 opener in opposition to Miami is quick approaching. The teaching workers is working out of time to lock within the rotation, work out which younger gamers are literally prepared, and pinpoint the place they nonetheless want reliable assist.
Whereas the loss should not overshadow robust nights from Evans, Clark, Timme, and Williams, it is also a mistake to assume the bench is fastened simply because a number of guys hit double digits. The starters are going to hold the heavy load, however Minnesota completely wants a dependable supporting forged to step up when accidents, foul hassle, and the regular-season grind inevitably hit.
The Final Phrase
Minnesota’s preseason finale provided a mixture of helpful indicators and unanswered questions. Evans confirmed he could make exterior pictures, Clark offered manufacturing on each ends, and Timme discovered methods to attain. Chicago, in the meantime, completed its preseason with a win and acquired a powerful all-around outing from Wilson. The outcome issues lower than what every staff takes from it.
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Minnesota should flip particular person performances into reliable roles, whereas Chicago must construct on its win with out overlooking the uneven first half. These solutions will come when the common season begins.
Featured Picture: David Banks-Imagn Photos
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