The Minnesota Timberwolves were unable to maintain momentum in Game 2 and fell 94-85 to the Los Angeles Lakers. NBA legend Paul Pierce believes Naz Reid’s performance is a key factor in his losses.
Naz Reid, in stark contrast to Game 1 heroes, only shot 37.5% and scored only nine points in 20 minutes of play.
Pierce didn’t abstain from KG certified podcasts and criticised Reid’s shot choices. “They went and made an extra pass for three. In this game, they just took three.”
“Naz Reed came down a few times from the dribble and filmed it. They didn’t develop the play into an open three,” Pierce explained.
The former NBA champion believes the Timberwolves have abandoned their successful Game 1 strategy. “They feel they forced it. They can do the same thing as Game 1.
Reid’s performance has dropped dramatically since Game 1. He was a standout Minnesota performer with 23 points off the 23-point bench, including six three-pointers on nine attempts.
The Lakers’ defensive adjustments clearly affected the rhythm and efficiency of the lead. Pierce, meanwhile, emphasized Luka Donsic as a positive example, praised his balanced approach of attacking the rim and shooting from afar.
“You have to give the Lakers credit. They’ve taken their rhythm out. I’m looking at Luka Donsic in the half court.
Donsic is the Lakers star in Game 2. He scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and supported his teammates nine times.
However, Pierce doesn’t want to blame Reid alone for the loss of the Timberwolves. He also criticized Anthony Edwards’ performance in Game 2.
“My rating of Ali, I don’t think he came out and set the tone. I thought he was going to win Game 2 and he was going to sit for a moment and see where the flow was heading.”
As the series continues, the Timberwolves will need both Lead and Edwards to respond with a stronger performance if they want to overcome the Lakers’ defensive adjustments and regain control.