In a thrilling game Friday night, the Timberwolves secured a victory against the Warriors despite facing significant challenges with their roster. The team was without key players, including Anthony Edwards, who was sidelined due to right knee soreness, and Mike Conley, who is dealing with right Achilles tendinopathy.
The game took a concerning turn when Bones Hyland, making his first career start with Minnesota, suffered an injury early in the first quarter. Not even five minutes into the contest, Hyland came up limping after fouling a player in a defensive play. He was seen in visible pain as he sat on the bench, attended to by team staff, and was later diagnosed with a right knee contusion. His return to the game remains uncertain, opening up opportunities for other players, particularly Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had not seen much action recently, having been a DNP-CD in their previous game against the Suns. With both Edwards and Conley absent, and Hyland exiting due to injury, Dillingham found himself in the rotation. Over the course of the game, he saw nearly 17 minutes of action, which marked his most significant playing time since early November.
Although Dillingham finished the game with modest stats—six points, one rebound, and two turnovers—he played a crucial role in the fourth quarter. He scored the first basket of the final period, narrowing the Timberwolves’ deficit to just one point, and later drove for a layup that put the Timberwolves ahead after the game was tied. These critical moments showcased his potential despite a somewhat shaky performance in the earlier quarters.
The Timberwolves are set to take on the Kings in their next game, presenting another possibility for Dillingham to solidify his role in the rotation. Edwards and Conley were both listed as questionable for Friday’s game, suggesting their absences might only be temporary. Hyland’s situation, however, seems more complicated, and if he is indeed sidelined for a longer period, it could mean even more playing time for Dillingham.
Head Coach Chris Finch may consider adjustments, potentially utilizing a nine-man rotation that includes Conley, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark. However, Dillingham’s performance in the fourth quarter might earn him another chance on the court against the Kings, as Finch weighs his options moving forward. The developments in this game highlight the Timberwolves’ resilience and the emerging talents within their roster.
