Joan Beringer played 16 minutes on Wednesday night, but his intensity never wavered. It was all gas and zero brakes for Beringer in Minnesota’s 118-105 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
The rookie was relentless on every possession – earning the trust of his coaching staff and teammates with every contribution.
Beringer perfectly encapsulated what the 19-year-old has brought to the Wolves in limited minutes this season with one comment after the game.
“I want to block everything,” Beringer said.
It’s that simple for him. Fortunately, playing hard has always been a priority for Wolves coach Chris Finch, who complimented Beringer’s effort after the win in Dallas.
“Joan’s energy was great,” Finch said. “He kept a bunch of balls alive, he challenges everything he possibly can, and has switch capability too.”
Beringer finished the game with 9 points and 4 rebounds – all of which were captured attacking the offensive glass. It’s been one of the main aspects of the rookie’s game that has appeared while on the floor this season.
His matchup was not easy either. Mavericks centers Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell do a tremendous job of keeping possessions alive. While Beringer was unable to grab a defensive rebound in the game, he battled with the two big men all night.
Joan Beringer was also showing his lob-threat ability in Dallas – connecting with his teammates on a couple of occasions. It has been of value for Minnesota, with many of their rotational pieces willing to drive to the rim and find the big man waiting for an opportunity to make an impact play.
He was not only active offensively but also showcased his ability to alter shots and defend guards and centers in pick-and-roll actions. Beringer also finished the third quarter strong with a ferocious block on Caleb Martin and a putback layup at the buzzer.
Beringer’s learned plenty as he’s spent most of the season in the NBA, not in Iowa with Minnesota’s G League affiliate. Being around fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert has helped Beringer. He has also had multiple interactions learning from other teammates during games – most recently in the Mavs game with Anthony Edwards.
It’s his readiness to play hard every night that’s earned him respect and brought excitement to Wolves fans. Connelly seems to have found another one with Beringer.
Still, leading up to the game, the rookie had experienced a minutes drought. Excluding Wednesday’s game, since playing 23 minutes in Minnesota’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on January 17, Beringer had averaged six minutes per game. The rookie was mostly playing spot minutes at the end of games.
Although they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder convincingly on Thursday, Beringer barely featured in Minnesota’s 123-111 win. His three minutes came in garbage time.
It seems apparent that Finch will try to play the rookie when he feels it is necessary, and perhaps a game against the defending champions isn’t the best time. But Beringer gives the Wolves bench a much-needed spark that has been absent for most of the season.
Bones Hyland has gotten it going over the last couple of games, but it’s been mostly quiet for Minnesota’s bench. Beringer gives the Wolves energy. Whether he scores or not, you can never question his motor.
The organization naturally wants to be patient with its rookie, but Beringer is ready to contribute to this Wolves rotation right now.
Much has been made of Minnesota’s defensive woes when Gobert is off the floor. Despite limited playing time, Beringer leads the Wolves in defensive rating at 104.8. He is also second to Gobert in field goal percentage at 66%.
He’s given the Wolves an option to strengthen an area where they lack. It’s also eliminated Minnesota’s pressing need to acquire a center for added rim protection.
Still, with the trade deadline coming next week, the possibility remains that they make that move. If the Wolves don’t trust Beringer as part of their rotation this season and entering the playoffs, the need remains.
Beringer can be a rotational mainstay. It’s increasingly likely Finch believes that as well. However, he’s remained patient with the rookie’s developmental process.
Nevertheless, Joan Beringer looks like he’ll become part of Minnesota’s core, along with Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid. Regardless of his current situation, that’s a win for the organization.