Naz Reid is a perfect component in the free-wheeling offense run by Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and the center's absence was evident in Friday’s loss to the Lakers, writes Chris Hine of The Star-Tribune. Reid is expected to undergo surgery and miss six weeks after fracturing his left wrist this week.
Finch said the offense lacked “flow” without Reid, who had averaged 18.1 PPG over his last eight games. The team also missed Reid’s quick decision-making, Hine notes, shooting just 32 percent from the field in the second half as they dropped an important game to a Western Conference rival.
The loss of Reid comes as Minnesota continues to work Karl-Anthony Towns back into the flow after his return to action 10 days ago. Finch believes the Wolves may be trying to force the ball to Towns too often and Mike Conley has been working individually with Towns to find the best way to reintegrate him into the offense.
“Having him back in the mix and him implementing into what we’re already doing is, I wouldn’t say challenging, but it’s the obstacle that we’re trying to (overcome),” Conley said.
“How can we get us to space the floor properly. How can we cut? What plays? Plays change when you bring a guy like KAT in. Stuff that we run for him now as opposed to we weren’t running those plays before, so it’s just finding the balance.”
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