The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the ultimate a part of the preseason with 21 gamers listed on their roster and an October 19 deadline to set their opening group. That gave a number of gamers a brief interval to safe a roster spot or a transparent job off the bench.
The Timberwolves rested their beginning group in opposition to the Miami Warmth, giving reserve and fringe-rotation gamers prolonged minutes they may see fewer of throughout the common season. Whereas each squads are set to return to Kaseya Heart for his or her official season opener on October 21, this preseason matchup served primarily as a proving floor for Minnesota’s depth
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Oct 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves level guard Bones Hyland (8) steals the ball from Miami Warmth level guard Ryan Conwell (4) throughout the first half at Kaseya Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Michael Laughlin-Imagn Photos
Antonio Reeves Provides Recreation-Winner to Roster Case
Minnesota defeated Miami 125-124 after Antonio Reeves made a floater with 2.3 seconds remaining. After the Warmth moved forward with fifteen seconds left, Reeves gathered the ball on a damaged play and scored the final two of his 5 whole factors.
The second carried added weight as a result of Reeves signed with Minnesota on September 24 and is reportedly taking part in on a non-guaranteed training-camp deal. In contrast to a number of teammates who have already got assured contracts in place, he entered the preseason needing to point out why the workforce ought to maintain him.
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One shot can not determine a roster battle, however Reeves confirmed that he may keep prepared after taking part in solely 12 minutes.
Bones Hyland Makes Case for Set Bench Position
Bones Hyland led the Timberwolves with 23 factors in 21 minutes. He shot six-of-nine from the sphere, made five-of-six three-point makes an attempt and transformed all six free throws.
His 4 assists, three steals and 0 turnovers strengthened the efficiency. Hyland seemed for his shot with out losing possessions, which is necessary for a guard anticipated to supply fast scoring.
He returned to Minnesota on a one-year minimal contract. His place on the energetic roster is safer than that of the camp gamers, however his preseason work will help determine whether or not he receives an everyday bench position or performs solely when different guards are unavailable.
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Zyon Pullin Reveals Scoring Worth in Two-Method Position
Zyon Pullin scored 22 factors in 28 minutes whereas capturing seven-of-nine from the sphere. He additionally made all eight of his free throws, displaying that he may attain the paint and draw contact.
His one help and 4 turnovers weakened his case as the principle passer. The sport offered stronger help for utilizing him as a scorer who can deal with the ball for shorter intervals.
Pullin is already on a two-way contract quite than preventing for the standard roster spot. His objective is to earn NBA call-ups and show he will help when Minnesota wants one other guard.
Joan Beringer and Terrence Shannon Jr. Push for Extra Minutes
Joan Beringer recorded 10 factors, seven rebounds, and 4 blocks. Minnesota chosen him with the No. 17 decide within the 2025 NBA Draft, and his rookie contract provides him time to develop into a bigger position.
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His path to the ground depends upon protection, rebounding, and work close to the basket. He made five-of-six photographs while not having the offense constructed round him, which inserts the position of a backup heart.
Terrence Shannon Jr. added 19 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists in 22 minutes. The Timberwolves outscored Miami by 17 factors whereas he was on the court docket.
Shannon is below contract, with Minnesota holding a future workforce choice. His preseason objective shouldn’t be survival however a bigger place within the wing rotation.
Minnesota Timberwolves Nonetheless Want Higher Closing Play
Minnesota led by as many as 14 factors earlier than Miami scored 40 within the fourth quarter. The Warmth additionally collected 12 offensive rebounds and produced 24 second-chance factors.
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The late slide confirmed the distinction between sturdy particular person performances and powerful workforce play. Minnesota’s reserves scored sufficient to win, however they’d hassle ending defensive possessions and defending the benefit.
These points give head coach Chris Finch one other a part of the bench race to contemplate. Scoring can earn consideration, however reserve items should additionally defend collectively when the sport adjustments late.
The Final Phrase
The sport carried completely different stakes for every Minnesota participant. Some had been making an attempt to remain on the roster, whereas others had been in search of NBA call-ups or common minutes. That distinction provides the performances extra that means than a easy scoring checklist. Finch should determine which gamers can fill small roles beside the starters and which of them want the ball too typically to assist with solely restricted alternatives to shine.
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Featured Picture: Michael Laughlin-Imagn Photos
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