Naz Reid shed some light on the ways in which he continues to impact the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game efforts even when he’s not having a strong shooting night following the team’s NBA Cup win over the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 15. 

“Shots not falling, gotta be able to do something else,” Reid said during a postgame interview. “And I’m just trying to make sure my presence is felt in any way shape or form. It’s obviously [a] Cup game as well, got to win. I mean, every game is a must-win, but in any scenario when there’s a ‘short playoff,’ you want to make sure you win in the best fashion and by the best point margin.”

Reid shot 5-for-12 off the bench against the Kings, scoring 12 points in 25 minutes. He also tallied 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, showcasing what he alluded to in his postgame interview in terms of his efforts beyond just the scoring column. 

Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) on X NAZ REID TONIGHT ▪️ 12 POINTS ▪️ 12 REBOUNDS ▪️ 4 ASSISTS ▪️ 2 BLOCKS ▪️ 2 STEALS

Naz Reid's Start to the Season

Despite a slower night from the field in the win over Sacramento, the former Sixth Man of the Year is still contributing solid numbers on the season, averaging 10.9 points per game on 42% shooting. Reid does do so many other things on the court, however, that he makes a strong point when he talks about doing things in lieu of putting up big numbers from the field. 

The center is also averaging 5.6 rebounds and a block per game. 

The Timberwolves’ upcoming game against the Nuggets could be a game where Reid gets to the bucket more and has a chance to improve on the slow shooting numbers he put up during Minnesota’s last game. 

Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) on X 2-0 IN @NBA CUP GAMES 🏆

With two of Denver’s starters in Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson ruled out, Reid could have an increased role, especially if Minnesota dominates an injury-ridden Nuggets team and can go to its bench early. 

“Even when shots are falling, like I said, just trying to impact the game in any way, shape or form,” Reid added. “And that’s something that I’m really good at. Obviously, shots not falling, what else can you bring to the table? What else can you do for the team to get a win? Energy plays, defensively, diving on the floor, rebounding, whatever I could do, I’m going to do it.”

The Timberwolves (8-4) play the Nuggets (9-2) on Nov. 15, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. EST.