The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid crumpled to the floor in the third quarter of Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets. Reid was walking to his team’s end of the court when Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr., who was backpedaling, stepped on his right ankle. The 6-foot-9 forward/center stayed on the floor before gingerly exiting the court for the locker room.
A serious injury will be a brutal blow to the Timberwolves, who already lost Donte DiVincenzo to a torn Achilles in Game 3 on Saturday. All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who played only 18 minutes in that game, is dealing with a bone bruise and a hyperextended left knee. Edwards’ “best scenario,” according to Dr. Brian Sutterer, could be “the last couple games of the conference finals,” if Minnesota survives to that point.
Without DiVincenzo and Edwards, Naz Reid was expected to get a heavier load on both ends of the floor. He contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in his team’s 112-96 Game 3 win.
In Game 5 on Monday, Reid had 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists before leaving the game.
Naz Reid Returns in Game 4 After Injury Scare
Naz Reid and the Timberwolves might have dodged a bullet after what looked like another massive injury blow. Reid returned to the bench in the fourth quarter before Minnesota coach Chris Finch inserted him back into the game.
The Timberwolves stared at a 107-90 deficit midway through the fourth quarter, which might be enough time for a come-from-behind win with Reid back in action. Minnesota still has Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, who could turn the game around late.
Regardless of the Game 5 outcome, the Timberwolves will be happy that Naz Reid seems to be fine.
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