Dud #3: Timberwolves bench
Shockingly, what’s been a huge advantage for the Wolves was a killer for them in game 4; the bench. The Minnesota bench has dominated Denver’s but that script completely flipped on Sunday night. While the Nuggets bench players stepped up in a big way, those on the Wolves fell off a cliff.
Naz Reid, who has been one of the Wolves' best players all season, had a quiet 11 points and 4 rebounds in just 18 minutes. He hit only one three and got bullied on the defensive end. The Wolves were -9 in his minutes, something they cannot afford to happen.
He’s got Naz Reid in hell rn 😂🤣😭 pic.twitter.com/343Lk11Y8a
— Tatiana (@Tatianaclinares) May 13, 2024
Beyond the disappointing play of the Sixth Man of the Year, the T-Wolves got brutal showings from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson, two role players who have been great for them. The duo combined for just 2 points on 1/8 shooting, they missed all their threes, and combined for a -38 +/- in 30 minutes played.
The bench has been such a huge part of the success for the Wolves and that wasn’t the case at all in game 4. These guys got played off the floor on both ends. Shots that have been falling weren’t and the defensive intensity and impact plays were lacking in a major way. Overall, the supporting cast has to be far better for Anthony Edwards and the Wolves to win this thing.