Bones Hyland has provided a heavy dose of fun for a Timberwolves team that badly needs it, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Pressed into a larger role with star guard Anthony Edwards and several other players injured, Hyland has responded by averaging 20 PPG over his last four games, including a 23-point performance in Sunday’s win at Boston. He’s also been displaying his vibrant personality, which includes exuberant celebrations and verbal jousting with opponents.
“It feels good to be here,” Hyland said in a post-game interview with NBC. “Everyone loves each other. We go out shopping together. We eat together. It’s a fantastic team, phenomenal team. Everyone can step up and contribute to winning. That’s what we’re doing right now, creating the vibes for the playoffs.”
Krawczynski states that Hyland’s enthusiasm is a welcome addition for a Minnesota team that has been fighting to stay out of play-in territory after two straight trips to the Western Conference Finals. He describes them as a “brooding group” that tends to quietly handle the ups and downs of a long season. But Hyland, who Krawczynski calls the team’s “Chief Vibes Officer,” stands out from his teammates and is enjoying his time in the spotlight until Edwards returns.
“We can’t fill Ant-Man’s shoes. He’s a superstar,” Hyland said. “He’s the head of our team. Trying to fill in his shoes would be tough, but we’ve got a lot of guys on our team that can step up and come out here and put on a show. That’s what we did tonight.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Naz Reid returned from a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle with 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench as the Timberwolves picked up their first win at Boston since 2005, per Chris Hine of The Star-Tribune (subscription required). Ayo Dosunmu said coach Chris Finch conducted a “very lengthy” pre-game film session in the wake of Friday’s home loss against Portland. “I think the guys understood the magnitude of this game and how important it is for us to play at a high level regardless if shots aren’t going down,” Dosunmu said. “We rose to the occasions, took the constructive criticism from coach and responded.”
- Peyton Watson returned Sunday and the Nuggets used a small-ball lineup similar to the ones from their championship run in 2023, observes Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. Watson, who had 14 points, six rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes, adds another element to Denver’s defense. “One thing (Watson) brings to the table, too, is like an extra rim protector, which is really important,” Cameron Johnson said. “And he does it time and time again.”
- Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is likely done for the season, but Keyonte George could have incentive to return, according to Sarah Todd of the Deseret News. Markkanen has already missed more than three weeks with a right hip impingement, and the team said Thursday it will be two more weeks before he’s reevaluated. That extends his absence to at least April 2 if he’s brought back right away with no time for reconditioning. George has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain in a March 11 game. He was set for a reevaluation in two weeks, but Todd points out that he could still be eligible for Most Improved Player honors if he returns tonight and doesn’t miss another game for the rest of the season.
