Bones Hyland Emerges as a Key Spark for the Timberwolves’ Bench

It’s been a fun past couple of games for the Wolves as they are 5-2 in their past 7 games. But it seems like nobody is having as much fun as Bones Hyland.

(Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Bones has been playing some of the best basketball of his career recently for Minnesota, and it’s right when they need him most. On the season, Bones is averaging 7 points per game off the bench, and he’s doing this with a very limited 13 minutes per game. He has been a crucial piece to help stabilize the second unit for the Wolves as of late, and has been able to generate and facilitate things on offense from the bench when things are cold.

All season long, Minnesota has had problems finding a guard who can lead the bench unit and provide a second wave of scoring while the starters rest. Bones has been able to fill that role. His ability to score and handle the ball helps keep the offensive flow going, and provides scoring opportunities for everyone. Which is exactly what the Wolves have been looking for.

Bones is coming off of one of the best games of his career against the Bucks in a crucial game, playing without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. In that game, Bones dropped 23 points, shooting over 55% from the field. He also became just the third Timberwolves' player ever with 20+ points, 5+ assists, and zero turnovers coming off of the bench.

Hyland’s impact isn’t just limited to on the court, he’s been great off the court as well. He’s a great spark of energy to this Wolves team. Bones is a great glue piece between Minnesota’s heavy young core and the vets on the team. Everybody loves having Bones as a part of this squad, and Bones loves being a part of it. In a postgame interview on Tuesday after his big game, Bones said, “This is a team I just love being on. You can just tell everyone loves each other, and loves seeing everyone’s success.”

The Wolves signed Hyland almost a year ago now as just a two-way player for the rest of the 24-25 season. But he was able to earn a one-year contract with the team when he signed with the Wolves back in September before the season started. Ever since then, he’s been a great addition to this team that’s filled with potential.

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