Naz Reid’s Sudden Injury Leaves Timberwolves Fans Holding Their Breath
There’s nothing like a playoff game to bring out big emotions, and Minnesota Timberwolves fans definitely got their share during Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors. Early in the game, Naz Reid—a key presence in the Timberwolves’ frontcourt—suffered what looked like a worrying lower body injury. The trouble started when Reid planted his foot on top of one of the Warriors’ shoes during a contest in the paint. He hobbled off the court, clearly in pain, and for a moment, the air seemed to go out of the Target Center.
At that point, the Timberwolves already had their hands full. Golden State’s defense was sharp from the opening tip, making life tough for Minnesota’s scorers. Reid’s injury scare magnified those struggles, especially since the Timberwolves have been inconsistent offensively in recent games. The crowd went silent, coaches looked concerned, and cameras zoomed in on Reid as he limped toward the bench.
Resilience and Depth Tested in High-Stakes Opener
Moments like these always reveal a team’s character, and the Timberwolves showed theirs when Reid came jogging back onto the court before halftime. He didn’t just return—he dove right back into the action, grabbing rebounds and setting hard screens as if nothing had happened. Anyone watching could see the boost his presence gave the Wolves, both emotionally and tactically. With the playoffs demanding fresh legs and quick rotations, Minnesota leaned on Reid’s resilience.
The Warriors faced their own test with Stephen Curry sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury suffered against the Houston Rockets. Without Curry orchestrating their offense, Golden State needed their bench and role players to make up the difference. The Timberwolves sensed an opening, but Golden State’s defensive pressure forced mistakes anyway. Still, Minnesota pressed on, determined to flip the script in a series with plenty on the line.
In a game marked by big absences and high tension, Reid’s ability to shake off an apparent injury and help stabilize Minnesota’s lineup set a tone for the Timberwolves. Both squads left Game 1 knowing just how physically and mentally taxing this series could be. With every possession up for grabs and health feeling precarious, depth, adaptability, and a little bit of luck might end up deciding who gets to move on.