In the absence of the Timberwolves’ twin towers, Naz Reid has stepped up

Reid’s defense has been huge for the Timberwolves

In his first start, he was the depleted team’s top scorer and made some big shots, including a three that put them ahead again after losing a big lead to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the third quarter.

His impact goes far beyond scoring, though. With his three steals and one block, Reid also showed that he can have quite the defensive impact for a team that is missing one of the best shot blockers in the entire NBA.

Granted, the Timberwolves faced a small team in the Thunder, allowing Reid to use his size to his advantage, but facing smaller players also brings up a whole new array of challenges for big players. Reid, however, has few problems picking up ballhandlers in transition or switching onto guards either on the perimeter or in the paint. Unlike many other centers in the league, Reid has no issue sliding his feet and cleanly staying in front of quick ballhandlers.

He currently has the second-best defensive rating on the Timberwolves’ roster, just behind three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Against the Thunder, he guarded a quick and explosive Gilgeous-Alexander, who loves to get to the rim and is rarely denied for 15.2 possessions. Over that stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander shot only 1-8 from the field. He also made all four of his free throws, but not every big man—or guard, for that matter—can stay with Gilgeous-Alexander and contest his shots.