Timberwolves Bench Trio Continues to Impress: A Closer Look at Their Impact
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench unit has been turning heads this season, and for good reason. The trio of Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been nothing short of spectacular, consistently outperforming expectations as a group and providing a much-needed spark off the bench.
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that this bench unit is something special. Through 31 games, the three-man lineup of DiVincenzo, Reid, and Alexander-Walker has played 877 possessions together. All five-man units that include the trio rank in the 97th percentile among all units in the league. They boast an impressive plus-14.4 differential per 100 possessions, showcasing their effectiveness on both ends of the court.
What’s particularly interesting is how versatile this trio has proven to be. Whether playing alongside Rudy Gobert or in smaller lineups, they’ve maintained their effectiveness. With Gobert on the floor, they excel defensively while still holding their own on offense. Without him, they transform into an offensive juggernaut, ranking in the 98th percentile with a staggering 124.9 points per 100 possessions.
This flexibility allows head coach Chris Finch to deploy them in various situations, adapting to different matchups and game scenarios. Their ability to play at different paces and in different styles makes them a valuable asset for the Timberwolves.
Potential Lineup Changes on the Horizon - Small Ball Coming?
As we approach the trade deadline, there will be speculation regarding a possible Julius Randle trade. In preparation for that possibility, we may start to see more and more of a smaller lineup featuring Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Gobert. While this unit has only played 18 possessions together so far this season, the early returns have been promising - most notably during Sunday’s win over San Antonio.
Might we see head coach Chris Finch begin to deploy this lineup more frequently in the coming weeks? If so, it may portend a potential Randle trade.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ lineup possibilities, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• The Timberwolves’ recent surge in the Western Conference standings
• Preview of the upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder
• The impact of Josh Minott’s increased playing time
