It was a tight game in Minnesota, but the Timberwolves came through in the end and Naz Reid shut the door with a massive corner three with seconds left on the clock.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had to battle to get their thrilling win against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night, and battle they did.
Things looked dire at first, especially when the Timberwolves found themselves trailing by as much as 14 at the half to the Clippers, but, a monster second half resurgence where the Timberwolves outscored the Clippers by 17 points gave them the edge to take home the victory.
It wasn't an easy victory by any means. Even as the Timberwolves took the lead, the Clippers were never close behind and as the final seconds ticked down, the two teams were tied at 104 and threatening to take the game to overtime.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) shoots a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesThe Timberwolves were moving the ball like mad men until it finally found it's way into the hands of Naz Reid waiting in the corner. Without hesitation, Reid pulled up and drained a three pointer to put the Timberwolves ahead 107-104 with less than 20 seconds left in the game, giving them just enough insurance to stay ahead of Los Angeles before the buzzer sounded.
Naz Reid Closes the Game
"I just took my time, heard a few people on the bench calling my name and stuff," Reid said after the game (via Timberwolves). "It was fun, being in that position, in that moment, in front of the bench."
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesReid has had some experience with game winners in the past, and it seems that repetition doesn't make each new clutch shot any less sweet.
"It's cool, it's a good feeling, exciting. You're not really in that position a lot... it was fun, it's exciting, obviously, to do it here in Minnesota," Reid said.
A Hot Fourth Quarter
Reid scored 19 points in the game while also totaling nine rebounds and three assists, but he especially took over in the crucial fourth quarter.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles the ball past Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) in the second half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesReid scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone while shooting perfect from the field and landing four of his five three pointers in the game. Minnesota's massive 37 point fourth quarter made the difference in the end and Reid was a major part of it.
He wasn't the only one to have a dominant game. Julius Randle scored 24 points while Jaden McDaniels scored a game-leading 27 points.
"That's who he is. I've been preaching that since, who knows when now," Reid said of McDaniels' performance. "I've been in the gym with him long enough to see it. It's good to see everyone else see it... It's more fun to see him [McDaniels] display it. I think that's the fun thing."