Timberwolves' Nickeil Alexander-Walker pain is easing as shocking player breaks out

Fansided | December 23, 2025

They're vastly different players, but Bones Hyland is filling the bench void left behind by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) celebrates making a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

All season long, the Minnesota Timberwolves' loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker has clearly hurt the team. Minnesota has desperately lacked bench production with Alexander-Walker now in Atlanta. Notably, the Wolves have dropped from 19th to 26th in bench points per game.