NBA Announces Punishment for Timberwolves’ Naz Reid After Rockets Game

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid was a focal point in his team’s thrilling overtime victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. 

Reid was assessed a technical foul by crew chief Scott Foster and subsequently ejected from the game with a little over four minutes remaining in overtime.

Although the rule states that receiving two technical fouls in a game is grounds for dismissal from the contest, Reid was sent off after just one after expressing visible frustration with a crucial call late in the contest. 

Naz Reid tagged with steep fine after animated exchange with official

At the time of ejection, Reid had his imprint on the game. 

The sharpshooting Minnesota big man had registered 14 points, 13 rebounds and connected on two of five 3-pointers. 

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 12: Naz Reid #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Without star guard Anthony Edwards in the lineup, the Timberwolves needed to showcase a collective team effort to hold off the Rockets, who are also jockeying for stronger position in a tight Western Conference. 

After being called for an offensive foul that wasn’t overturned even after Minnesota challenged, Reid immediately objected by saying something to Foster, who then quickly signaled Reid to be ejected from the game. 

While it is unclear what Reid said to foster, the NBA described the Wolves big man’s action as “questioning the integrity of game officials.” 

James Jones, the Executive Vice President, Head of Operations, announced Friday that Reid has been fined $50,000 for his actions.

Minnesota tries to discover late surge as playoffs loom 

Reid’s ejection against Houston should have been a death sentence for his team. 

The Timberwolves entered the game without Edwards and guard Ayo Dosunmu. Swingman Jaden McDaniels had exited the game with a knee injury. Star big man Rudy Gobert had fouled out. The team was running on fumes. 

Instead, Minnesota rallied to an emotional victory behind a boisterous home crowd, winning 110-108 in the extra period. The Wolves also held Rockets star Kevin Durant to just 9-for-22 shooting on the night. 

Minnesota is back at home tonight for a massive cross-conference tilt against the Detroit Pistons. 

While Edwards is expected to miss his sixth game in a row due knee inflammation, the Pistons will be without league MVP candidate Cade Cunningham. 

The Timberwolves are holding onto the fifth seed but are just 2 ½ games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed. Every game before the end of the regular season will be massive.

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