Interim coach Ryan Saunders said that no matter what, the Timberwolves would put their most competitive team on the floor the rest of the season, even if their odds of making the playoffs are closing in on zero.
On Saturday, their most competitive team in Saunders' view meant crucial clutch-time minutes for Keita Bates-Diop, a rookie making his first start for the injured Andrew Wiggins, and Cameron Reynolds, who re-upped with the Wolves on his second 10-day contract — and the Wolves ended up winning the game.
Minnesota outgunned the Wizards 135-130 in overtime at Target Center and outlasted the Wizards in the extra session without Karl-Anthony Towns, who exited late in the fourth quarter because of a right knee injury.