Weighed down by a calf injury last year, Jordan McLaughlin hoped to relaunch this season with the Wolves. Unfortunately, a knee injury kept him away from the field for most of November.
And the 27-year-old leader has struggled to reintegrate into Chris Finch's rotation ever since.
But while the Wolves were in difficulty against the Knicks, it was Jordan McLaughlin who restarted the machine in the third quarter, his 9 points, 3 assists and 2 interceptions in 11 minutes (+13 to +/-) having allowed Minnesota to return to the game to attempt the hold-up. Finally failed.
“We needed that, to get the ball moving” he explains about his impact in New York. “It’s one of the things I can bring to the team. Everyone brings something different, and that’s what I bring. »
“He was the X factor tonight” admits Karl-Anthony Towns on who is playing his fifth season in Minneapolis. “We couldn't have hoped to win the match without J-Mac. He came in and was the spark. He took care of everything. It's been like that throughout his entire career. As soon as the match is close, he comes in and changes the whole momentum. »
The 9th Wolves player?
An impact that we only see from time to time, Jordan McLaughlin not being one of Chris Finch's core players. But to hear the coach, he could get more playing time in the future.
“He has now played in three of the last games (Jordan McLaughlin has only had real playing time in two of the last four games, editor’s note) and, each time, he has had a very positive impact” notes the coach. “We always think that the 9th man place is circumstantial, but if someone comes and gets it, then it will be for him. And it looks like J-Mac is getting their hands on it now. »
The person concerned is just waiting for that, he who admits that it is not easy to have to be satisfied with the crumbs on the bench.
” It was hard. We want to fight on the pitch. I love supporting the guys. They allowed us to reach first place in the West, almost first place in the league, so I play it collectively. And I support my guys when they're on the field, because I know they'll support me when I'm on the field. »
