The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the mix for the playoffs – a level they’ve reached once in the past 17 seasons – and D’Angelo Russell is an important reason why so far.
Russell’s shooting numbers are down overall compared to years past, but he’s stepped up for Minnesota when it matters most. Russell leads the league in clutch points, which are points scored in the last five minutes of the game where the score differential is five points or less.
“He wants the ball,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “He’s not afraid of the moment. He’s not afraid to take big shots. He can handle and get to his spot. He’s got almost an unblockable shot with a lot of arc.”
Finch, who’s the first coach Russell has had for consecutive seasons since Kenny Atkinson in Brooklyn, calls his point guard an “absolute joy” to coach and refers to him as a “basketball junkie.” Finch laughed, reminiscing about how Russell texted him about the team while watching a game between the Pacers and Pistons on a random Tuesday off night.
In his return to Brooklyn, where Russell became an All-Star, he spoke with HoopsHype about the expectations for Minnesota, Patrick Beverley’s impact on the team, playing for Finch, his career thus far, and more.