Timberwolves’ Reserves Make Final Cases For Rotation In Loss vs Bulls
· Yahoo Sports
The Minnesota Timberwolves entered their final preseason game with a simple task for the players sent to Chicago. They needed to give the coaching staff a reason to trust them when the regular rotation returned. But preseason games can leave a mixed impression, especially when one team rests most of its starters while the other gives its main group time together.
Minnesota needed more than a few good individual performances. It needed signs that its younger players could help the team beyond the preseason, when the pressure and competition become much harder.
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Isaiah Evans And Jaylen Clark Made Their Case
Oct 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (7) grabs a rebound against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesMinnesota lost 133-116 on October 16, but the final score does not tell the whole story. Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Jonathan Kuminga rested in Minneapolis. The Chicago Bulls played their projected starters, giving their regular group time together before turning to their bench.
That made the game a useful test for Minnesota’s younger players, even if it was not a fair comparison between the two teams.
Isaiah Evans led the Timberwolves with 21 points, shooting 5-for-10 from three-point range. Jaylen Clark added 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and a block. Drew Timme also scored 18 points, while Cody Williams finished with 15.
Those four players combined for 72 points. That production matters because Minnesota will need bench contributorsduring a long season. Still, one strong night does not guarantee regular minutes.
It’s one thing to put up big numbers once; it’s another to do it against vets who know how to shut you down. The coaching staff is about to find out who the real deal is and who was just a one-hit wonder.
Jaylen Clark May Offer Clearest Path To Minutes
Evans’ shooting was the most eye-catching performance, but Clark’s all-around game may give him a more direct route to a role. He rebounded, forced turnovers, and protected the rim while also scoring 18 points. Those contributions matter for a team that needs energy and reliable defense from its supporting players. That fits the plan behindbringing Clark back to help Edwards and Ball without requiring him to become another high-volume scorer.
When Minnesota gets its main rotation back, Clark is still going to have to fight for minutes among the Timberwolves’ wings. It’s one thing to drop 18 points when the starters are sitting, but doing it against a locked-in, first-choice defense is a whole different story.
Evans proved how valuable his shooting can be by knocking down five three-pointers, but carving out regular minutes in a packed rotation won’t be easy. His ability to provideperimeter spacing after Naz Reid’s departure could also help Minnesota create better driving lanes for its leading scorers.
Williams also chipped in 15 points for Minnesota, though he struggled from deep, hitting just one of his six attempts. While the coaching staff has plenty of reasons to be happy with what they saw, both guys still have some things to clean up.
Chicago Showed Why Result Still Matters
The Bulls deserve credit for taking care of business against a younger Minnesota group. Caleb Wilson finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, giving Chicago a productive performance across several areas. The Bulls also built their advantage steadily rather than relying on one brief run.
Chicago led 67-60 at halftime and extended the margin through the second half. The Bulls finished with a 17-point win, but they were not overwhelmingly ahead at the break despite facing a Minnesota lineup without its leading players.
That is a useful detail for Chicago, too. The win was deserved, but the first half left room for improvement before the games begin to count.
Minnesota’s young players stepped up to keep the game competitive, but the team ultimately ran out of gas over four quarters.
While the bench showed flashes of offensive spark, the final box score highlighted a glaring issue: Chicago completely dominated the glass and ruled the paint. Moving forward, matching physical teams inside will be a major focus for Minnesota, especially on nights when their starting frontcourt is sidelined.
Regular Season Changes Evaluation for Timberwolves
Minnesota’s preseason is over, and their October 21 opener against Miami is fast approaching. The coaching staff is running out of time to lock in the rotation, figure out which young players are actually ready, and pinpoint where they still need dependable help.
While the loss shouldn’t overshadow strong nights from Evans, Clark, Timme, and Williams, it’s also a mistake to think the bench is fixed just because a few guys hit double digits. The starters are going to carry the heavy load, but Minnesota absolutely needs a reliable supporting cast to step up when injuries, foul trouble, and the regular-season grind inevitably hit.
The Last Word
Minnesota’s preseason finale offered a mix of useful signs and unanswered questions. Evans showed he can make outside shots, Clark provided production on both ends, and Timme found ways to score. Chicago, meanwhile, finished its preseason with a win and got a strong all-around outing from Wilson. The result matters less than what each team takes from it.
Minnesota must turn individual performances into dependable roles, while Chicago needs to build on its win without overlooking the uneven first half. Those answers will come when the regular season starts.
Featured Image: David Banks-Imagn Images
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