The Minnesota Timberwolves couldn’t maintain their momentum in Game 2, falling 94-85 to the Los Angeles Lakers. NBA legend Paul Pierce believes Naz Reid’s performance was a key factor in the loss.
In stark contrast to his Game 1 heroics, Naz Reid struggled significantly, shooting just 37.5% and scoring only nine points in 20 minutes of play.
Pierce didn’t hold back on KG Certified podcast, criticizing Reid’s shot selection. “They went and made the extra pass for the three. In this game they just went and took the three.“
“Naz Reid came down a couple of times off the dribble and just shot it. They didn’t let the play develop into the open three,“ Pierce explained.
The former NBA champion believes the Timberwolves abandoned their successful Game 1 strategy. “I just feel that they forced it, we can do the same thing [as] Game 1, they just started launching them, it took them out,” he added.
Reid’s performance fell dramatically from Game 1, where he was Minnesota’s standout performer with 23 points off the bench, including six three-pointers on nine attempts.
The Lakers’ defensive adjustments clearly affected Reid’s rhythm and efficiency. Meanwhile, Pierce highlighted Luka Doncic as a positive example, praising his balanced approach of attacking the rim and shooting from distance.
“You got to give credit to the Lakers, they took them out their rhythm. I’m seeing Luka Doncic at half court, I could see that was the emphasis, get up on your man, make them drive… let’s see if they can finish at the rim,” Pierce said, describing the contest as “a typical early 2000s playoff game.”
Doncic is the star of the Lakers in Game 2. He scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and assisted his teammates nine times.
But Pierce doesn’t want to blame Reid alone for the Timberwolves’ loss. He also criticized Anthony Edwards’ performance in Game 2.
“My assessment of Ant, I don’t think he came out and set the tone, [you got to] try and win the Game 2, I thought he kind of sat back and tried to see where the flow was going.”
As the series continues, the Timberwolves will need both Reid and Edwards to respond with stronger performances if they hope to overcome the Lakers’ defensive adjustments and regain control.
