Minnesota receives a positive update as key bench player Naz Reid manages to return after a scary ankle injury during the Suns clash.
The Minnesota Timberwolves received a major relief during their game against the Phoenix Suns after forward Naz Reid briefly left the court with an ankle injury but was later cleared to return.
The incident created concern for the Timberwolves, especially with star guard Anthony Edwards already sidelined. Reid has been one of the team’s most reliable contributors off the bench this season, and his availability is crucial as Minnesota fights to hold its playoff position in the Western Conference.
Below is a complete breakdown of what happened to Naz Reid, his injury status, and why his role is so important for Minnesota.
What Happened to Naz Reid During the Suns Game?
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Reid had entered the game off the bench and made an immediate impact.
In just eight minutes of action, he scored 7 points while also adding 2 rebounds and 2 assists. However, the momentum quickly changed when he accidentally stepped on the foot of Suns guard Jordan Goodwin while moving across the floor.
The awkward step caused Reid to twist his right ankle.
He immediately showed visible discomfort and remained on the court for a moment before limping toward the locker room with the help of team trainers.
For several minutes, Minnesota fans and the coaching staff were unsure whether he would be able to return to the game.
Naz Reid Injury Timeline During the Game
The Timberwolves later provided several updates during the matchup.
| Time | Update |
|---|---|
| Pre-game | Reid listed questionable with a shoulder issue |
| Second quarter | Reid twists right ankle after stepping on Jordan Goodwin’s foot |
| Shortly after | Leaves the court and goes to the locker room |
| Initial update | Listed as questionable to return due to right ankle sprain |
| Second half | Status upgraded to available and cleared to return |
This quick recovery was a positive sign that the injury might not be serious.
Earlier Shoulder Concern Before the Game
Before the Suns matchup even began, Reid had already been dealing with another issue.
He was listed as questionable for the game due to a right shoulder injury that he picked up during Minnesota’s previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although he played through the shoulder problem earlier, the injury had put his availability for the Suns game in doubt.
Despite that concern, Reid was eventually cleared to play before tip-off.
The ankle injury in the second quarter therefore created even more concern for Minnesota.
Naz Reid’s Role for the Timberwolves This Season
Naz Reid is currently in his seventh season with the Minnesota Timberwolves and continues to be one of the team’s most valuable bench players.
The 26-year-old big man provides scoring, spacing, and defensive flexibility that allows Minnesota to maintain offensive rhythm when starters rest.
Naz Reid 2026 Season Stats
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 67 |
| Points | 13.7 |
| Rebounds | 6.2 |
| Assists | 2.3 |
| Field Goal % | 46.9% |
| 3-Point % | 37.3% |
His ability to stretch the floor as a shooting big man makes him a key piece in Minnesota’s rotation.
Reid was also previously recognized as one of the league’s best bench players when he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Why Reid’s Availability Matters for Minnesota
The Timberwolves are entering a critical stretch of the season.
Minnesota has slipped to sixth place in the Western Conference standings, placing them dangerously close to the play-in tournament zone. Every game in the final month of the season now carries major importance for playoff seeding.
With Anthony Edwards expected to miss time due to injury, the team needs additional scoring from other players.
Naz Reid is one of the players capable of filling that offensive gap.
His scoring bursts, energy, and floor spacing help stabilize Minnesota’s offense when the starters are off the court.
If the ankle injury had been serious, the Timberwolves would have faced even more pressure in upcoming games.
Timberwolves Face Tight Schedule Ahead
Minnesota also faces a quick turnaround in their schedule.
After the Suns game, the Timberwolves are set to play again the very next day against the Utah Jazz in the second game of a back-to-back.
Because of this, Reid’s health will remain something the coaching staff closely monitors.
Even though he was able to return to the game, the team may evaluate his ankle further before deciding how much he should play in upcoming matchups.
Key Takeaways from the Naz Reid Injury Situation
• Reid initially entered the Suns game with a shoulder concern
• He twisted his right ankle in the second quarter after stepping on Jordan Goodwin’s foot
• He left the court and was listed questionable to return
• The Timberwolves later upgraded him to available, allowing him to return to the game
• His availability is important with Anthony Edwards already sidelined
For Minnesota, the quick update that Reid could return was a major relief during a crucial stage of the season.
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