In a crucial victory, the Minnesota Timberwolves bested the Los Angeles Lakers in their first matchup of the regular season’s final week. After recording a season-low  87-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns on the road, the dominant 127-117 win was just what was needed for the team. Despite the absence of big man Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves have managed to keep the good vibes going and victories coming. While Rudy Gobert usually picks up the slack in Towns’ stead, yesterday’s matchup featured the former LSU product, Naz Reid making his case for the Sixth Man of the Year bid.

NBA insiders, Dane Moore, and Kyle Theig got together in the former’s The Dane Moore NBA Podcast, to discuss the sudden resurgence. Hilariously enough, Theig echoed a certain rapper’s presence for his dominant performance in the Lakers game. “It was the Megan Thee Stallion date game for Naz last night.”

The American rapper turned the heat high with her plunging top and all-black ensemble. It was the most viral video with D’Angelo Russell‘s crash near Megan also making its designated rounds on the internet. But aside from that, Theig also noted that it was truly great to see the 6’9 New Jersey native bounce back.

But more importantly, Naz Reid has become a core part of the team. A highly touted prospect out of high school, there was no doubt that he would continue his dominance further along the line. However, the centre went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft with the Wolves signing him in July to a two-way contract with its G League affiliate. And that proved to be the best decision.

Reid continued to prove worthy since acquisition. But last March, he suffered a wrist injury against the Phoenix Suns that put him out indefinitely. The instance evoked concerns about ever seeing the big man back on court. However, he returned. And although his games haven’t been on par with the expectation, last night, against LA, Naz Reid was the man. Or should we say the Sixth Man?

Naz Reid on for the Sixth Man of the Year race

Malik Monk was the favorite to win the Sixth Man this season. But with him out of the picture now, Naz Reid’s chances are looking rather viable. The fact that Reid is part of the top team in the West is an added incentive. The odds of a player who is not part of a team that makes it to the postseason winning the award are few and in between. Only once in the past 22 seasons has such an occurrence happened.

The Kings’ postseason aspirations are shaky at best. And with Monk out indefinitely, so is his candidacy. Reid is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. Monk, on the other hand, averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 26.0 minutes for 72 games before he was sidelined. These numbers show the Kings’ guard as more suitable for the Sixth Man award.

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But another aspect that comes into play is the efficiency of the shots. Monk is shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.0% from the three-point line. The TWolves’ center for his part, is 48.2% from the field while shooting a dangerous 41.8% from downtown. Reid’s last night’s performance cannot be forgotten either. He finished with a game-high 31 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and one assist.

Injured Karl-Anthony Towns Nominates 24YO Wolves Star For Massive NBA Honor After Dismantling Red Hot Lakers