The Timberwolves played on without point guard D'Angelo Russell for a second consecutive game. They did so Sunday against Utah with Jordan McLaughlin starting at Russell's point position, with Jaylen Nowell and Anthony Edwards there to help out as well.
McLaughlin played 17 minutes in Russell's absence during Friday's 134-124 loss at Phoenix. He had played less than three minutes total in the three previous games after his return from the NBA's health and safety protocols.
He impressed Wolves coach Chris Finch with his hustle, including a play in which he dove across the court near the end of Friday's third quarter and tipped the ball to Edwards for a buzzer-beating shot.