There was Anthony Edwards, of course, but Naz Reid helped the Wolves take this Game 1 in Denver. However, the 6th man of the year did not start the game well, scoring no points in the first half, shooting 0/3. Also with 2 turnovers, he showed an ugly -17 +/- until the break…
But everything will change in the second half. “In the first half, I got my bearings, I got used to the environment. I wanted to stay in the game. It doesn't matter if I'm already hot or not, I'm going to have good streaks. I'm not going to give up, I'm staying strong and consistent. That's my motto: be cool, calm and focused. »
Naz Reid will regain rhythm in the third quarter, before catching fire in the last six minutes.
Anthony Edwards gives him the ball with the clock almost up. A poisoned gift and the inside must trigger. The shot goes off badly but comes in with the help of the board. It's the start of ten consecutive points for the luxury substitute, with a tap dunk, a foul layup and another 3-pointer!
A series for him?
While the two teams were tied, 84-84, the Wolves took a two possession lead, 94-88, and therefore began the money-time with the wind at their backs.
“I just never give up. I fight, again and again” summarizes Naz Reid. “Not being drafted gave me my current motivation. I have my teammates, they carried me this far.”
It's up to him to return the favor, even though he felt like he didn't carry enough weight in the series against Phoenix.
“Each series is different. I think it was mostly an away series, given the way they were playing.” concludes Naz Reid. “I felt like my presence wasn't felt in the Phoenix series. I feel like I need to do more. »
| Naz Reid | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | MIN | 30 | 17 | 41.2 | 33.0 | 69.8 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 9.0 |
| 2020-21 | MIN | 70 | 19 | 52.3 | 35.1 | 69.3 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 11.2 |
| 2021-22 | MIN | 77 | 16 | 48.9 | 34.3 | 76.5 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | MIN | 68 | 18 | 53.7 | 34.6 | 67.7 | 1.1 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 11.5 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 81 | 24 | 47.7 | 41.4 | 73.6 | 0.9 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 13.5 |
| Total | 326 | 19 | 49.6 | 37.1 | 71.7 | 1.1 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 10.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
