The Minnesota Timberwolves inserted Bones Hyland back into their rotation Monday night, replacing Rob Dillingham as Chris Finch searches for more offensive production off the bench. Hyland scored 14 points in 16 minutes during a 108-105 loss to Phoenix, his first meaningful action in nine games.
Finch made the change after 24 games to inject a spark into a second unit lacking scoring punch. The Timberwolves have struggled with slow starts despite their 15-9 record and sixth-place standing in the Western Conference.
“We’re 24 games in, and I thought it was time to try something different,” Finch said. “He’s been patient. He’s been playing really well in practice, doing everything we ask him to do. We need a spark there.”
Hyland shot 5-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range against the Suns. The performance provided the quick-strike scoring Minnesota has lacked from its reserves, though he committed three turnovers in his expanded role.
Anthony Edwards, who finished with 40 points, has been a vocal supporter of Hyland receiving more playing time. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly originally drafted Hyland while running the Denver Nuggets.
“Sometimes you can just see some people are meant to be a star,” Edwards said. “And I feel like I may not know the criteria to being a star, but if I think I do, I think he’s one of them.”
The move comes as Minnesota searches for consistent point guard play. Dillingham has shot just 35 percent from the field with only six made three-pointers in 21 games this season. Mike Conley, 38, has delivered inconsistent performances and struggled Monday, going 0 of 5 from the field.
The loss was compounded by Rudy Gobert’s third-quarter ejection for a Flagrant-2 foul. Gobert now has five flagrant foul points this season, with a suspension looming if he reaches six.