The Minnesota Timberwolves' bench carried the team in stretches and provided much-needed energy in their 115-100 win over the Utah Jazz last Sunday.

Minnesota's bench outscored Utah's 35-20. Bones Hyland led the second unit with 14 points on 4-for-8 shooting, two rebounds and two assists.

Every player finished with a positive plus-minus, barring the reserves who played the final two minutes. Trey Lyles led with a game-high +29, and Hyland had the third-best at +15.

Chris Finch praised his bench for energizing the team when the starters looked sluggish. LaMelo Ball finished with a -3, and Jonathan Kuminga had a team-worst -10.

The Timberwolves are finding different ways to win during every game. It's a sign of a balanced roster with buy-in from role players to contribute in various ways.

Kuminga struggled in 25 minutes and attempted the fewest shots this season. He scored four points on 2-for-5 shooting with three turnovers.

Minnesota needed another player to step up during his down night. Hyland answered the call and gave his team the downhill pressure that Kuminga typically provides.

Scoring in isolation is his bread and butter. His shifty handle and quick first step often put him in position to blow by defenders and convert tough, contested layups.

He shot 1-for-5 from downtown, but his off-ball movement generated quality looks for the 6-foot-2 guard. Great offensive process builds winning habits that benefit the team when it's close down the stretch.

Hyland's been a microwave scorer for the Timberwolves' second unit. He's scored 19 points twice this season: once against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30 and against the Houston Rockets last Wednesday.

Minnesota's bench is averaging 29.5 points per game during its four-game winning streak. Last Sunday's win was its best performance, and its worst was 19 points against the New Orleans Pelicans last Friday.

Role player contributions fluctuate from game to game, and this stretch proves that. It's a promising sign Finch can rely on Hyland, Lyles and Jaylen Clark.

Their positive plus-minus suggests they make the extra pass on offense and make crisp defensive rotations. The dirty work matters, and the box score doesn't reflect that.

Minnesota has to protect home court over the next seven games, hosting a plethora of playoff-caliber teams. Finch and his squad will face Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday after four games in seven days.