USA Today via Reuters
Nov 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell (0) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (9) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell (0) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (9) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With a final score of 118-113, the Minnesota Timberwolves won against the Los Angeles Lakers in their recent pre-season game. It was Naz Reid who helped the Wolves overcome the Lakers, finishing with 22 points and 13 rebounds. However, he also became the center of attention for something else. In the heat of the game, he miscalculated who was playing on the court and who was sitting on the bench.
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The footage begins with Reid catching the ball and dribbling it down to the court. And then fans can see movement from the bench. His teammate, D’Angelo Russell stands and throws his hand up in the air. While it was likely a harmless gesture done out of excitement, Naz Reid interpreted that as something else.
Reid believed that Russell put up his hand, as a sign that he was open and that Reid could pass the ball to him. And Reid does just that, as he throws it to the wide-open reserve.
An embarrassing moment for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The audience had mixed reactions to this. On social media too, NBA fans couldn’t stop talking about the Timberwolves’ confusion.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Reid own teammate sabotaged him.
— VP (@VP90244) October 13, 2022
Naz Reid with the vision 🔥#Shaqtin pic.twitter.com/ZyNAGQlIta
— Shaqtin' a Fool (@shaqtin) October 13, 2022
It is stated that players may not remain standing and should not distract opponents. In this case, Russell was standing and probably unwillingly, distracted his own teammate.
Rule #1 pic.twitter.com/OX10rC9qzZ
— ashy_back🥷🏿 (@sikewillmadeit) October 13, 2022
He had his hands up too like he was calling for it
— AaroNole🍢 (@Barphalemew) October 13, 2022
He didn’t. He celebrated too soon thinking bro was gonna shoot a 3
— DallasTexas (@D214Cowboys) October 13, 2022
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But it is important to note that this error was not a hurdle for the team at the end of the day, and it definitely did not stop them from going on to win the game. The Timberwolves went on to win the pre-season contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the embarrassing moment. In fact, D’Angelo Russell also got some game time, scoring 15 points.
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The funny incident goes to prove that NBA players must have their heads in the game and be fully focused at all times. Timberwolves fans, and likely Naz Reid, will hope that the slight lapse in judgment will hopefully be a thing of the past as the new season dawns closer.
How do you think the Minnesota Timberwolves will far next season? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
