Mike Conley scored 21 points, and the beloved Naz Reid contributed 18 points on his special beach towel giveaway night, guiding the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-91 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Anthony Edwards chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 15 rebounds, and Jaden McDaniels added 15 points, three steals, and two blocks for the Timberwolves. They maintained their strong performance, shooting 52% from 3-point range (14 for 27), and remained in contention for the top spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
Despite the Cavaliers’ efforts, led by Darius Garland’s 19 points and Caris LeVert’s 16, they couldn’t secure a win. The absence of All-Star Donovan Mitchell due to injury impacted their performance, with LeVert acknowledging the team’s struggles to score against the Timberwolves’ defense.
Reid, returning from injury, made an immediate impact by joining the starting lineup and delivering an impressive performance, much to the delight of the fans.
With crucial plays in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal 3-pointer, Reid’s contribution was celebrated by the crowd, chanting his name in appreciation.
The Timberwolves displayed their depth and resilience, with role players stepping up in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns, who continues to recover from injury. Jordan McLaughlin’s stellar shooting performance in the first half and the team’s defensive effort were instrumental in securing the win.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, who have faced their share of injuries, including those of key players like Evan Mobley and Max Strus, struggled to maintain their momentum. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged their stagnant offense but credited the Timberwolves for their solid defensive performance.
