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Good Morning, Illini Nation: All Terrence Shannon Jr. needed was a chance
TL;DR
Terrence Shannon Jr. stepped up for the Minnesota Timberwolves after injuries to key players, delivering standout performances in the playoffs. His contributions were crucial in securing wins against the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs.
Key points
- Terrence Shannon Jr. had limited playtime in early playoff games.
- Injuries to teammates opened opportunities for Shannon.
- Shannon delivered standout performances in crucial playoff games.
- His contributions helped the Timberwolves secure series wins.
Terrence Shannon Jr.Ayo DosunmuDonte DiVincenzoAnthony Edwards
May 6—Terrence Shannon Jr. didn't play in either of the Minnesota Timberwolves' first two first-round playoff games against the Denver Nuggets last month, was inactive for Game 3 and barely broke into the rotation in Game 4.
Then, a series of injuries changed the backcourt calculus for Minnesota as its playoff run progressed.
Ayo Dosunmu was the answer when Donte DiVincenzo ruptured his Achilles and Anthony Edwards hyperextended his knee in the first half of Game 4 against Denver. A 43-point explosion from the former Illinois guard that kept the Timberwolves on track for a series win.
Then, Dosunmu went down with a calf injury ahead of Game 6. Minnesota had to turn to the other former Illini guard on its roster, and Shannon delivered both in the series-clinching win against the Nuggets and Monday's series-opening win against the San Antonio Spurs to start the second round.
Two standout performances. Two postgame press conference appearances, including Monday night alongside Edwards, the face of the franchise.
An incredible turn of events for a second-year player that had struggled to carve out a role for the Timberwolves.
Injuries haven't helped Shannon in his bid to get on the court for Minnesota. Two to his left foot, first a bone bruise and then an abductor hallucis strain, cost him a chunk of November and then sidelined him from late December until mid-February this season.
But even when Shannon has been healthy he hasn't been able to break consistently into the Timberwolves' rotation.
Using him correctly from the get go, of course, might have made a difference.
"We've learned with TJ, he's got to have the ball in his hands," Minnesota coach Chris Finch told reporters after Shannon produced 24 points, six rebounds and two steals to help close out the series against Denver.
"Silly me, we played him out of the corner most of the season," Finch continued. "But he's way better with the ball in his hands at the top of the floor. I thought he'd give us a boost. I didn't realize it would be like this — not just with his scoring, but I think he made a lot of emotional energy plays that got the crowd into it. He played with force. He let it be known that he was going to be reckoned with."
Q&A
What injuries affected the Minnesota Timberwolves during the playoffs?
Donte DiVincenzo ruptured his Achilles, and Anthony Edwards hyperextended his knee, impacting the team's backcourt.
How did Terrence Shannon Jr. perform in the playoffs?
Shannon had key performances in the series-clinching win against the Nuggets and the opening win against the Spurs.
Who did the Timberwolves rely on after Ayo Dosunmu's injury?
After Ayo Dosunmu's calf injury, the Timberwolves turned to Terrence Shannon Jr. for crucial contributions.
What was the significance of Terrence Shannon Jr.'s performances?
Shannon's performances were vital for the Timberwolves' playoff success, helping them advance in the series.
