On Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves took on the New Orleans Pelicans in a tightly contested NBA matchup that ultimately saw the Timberwolves fall 119-115. While the final score told a story of two teams battling to the wire, for one Timberwolves player, the night was about more than just the numbers on the scoreboard. Johnny Juzang, a player who has been fighting for minutes all season, finally saw his persistence rewarded with a season-high 10 minutes on the court.
For Juzang, this extended run was a rare opportunity in a campaign that’s been defined by limited playing time. Entering the game, he’d appeared in 21 regular-season contests, averaging just 4.2 minutes and 2.0 points per game. But on this particular night, Juzang made sure to make the most of every second he was given.
He finished the evening with three points, connecting on one of his two field goal attempts—both from beyond the arc—while also grabbing a rebound and recording a block. It might not sound like a stat line that jumps off the page, but for a player who’s struggled to carve out a consistent role in Minnesota’s rotation, every box score contribution matters. And for Timberwolves fans who have been keeping an eye on the team’s depth, Juzang’s performance offered a small glimmer of hope for the future.
The Timberwolves, who have relied heavily on their starting five throughout the 2025-2026 season, have often found it challenging to integrate bench players into meaningful situations. Juzang’s journey exemplifies the struggle many young players face when trying to break into a team’s established rotation. With just 21 appearances this season and an average of 2.0 points in limited action, he’s had to stay ready for whenever his number is called.
Friday’s game against the Pelicans wasn’t just another notch in the loss column for Minnesota—it was a showcase of grit and determination from a player not content to ride the pine. While the Timberwolves were ultimately unable to overcome the Pelicans’ offensive firepower, Juzang’s effort didn’t go unnoticed. His willingness to step in, knock down a three-pointer, fight for a rebound, and even swat away a shot demonstrated the kind of hustle coaches love to see from the end of the bench.
“Juzang played a season-high 10 minutes, highlighting just what a struggle it has been for him to get meaningful court time this year,” noted a report published after the game. The sentiment is clear: breaking through in the NBA is no small feat, and for Juzang, every minute is precious.
Looking at the broader context, the Timberwolves’ rotation has been one of the tightest in the league. With established stars leading the charge and a playoff push on everyone’s mind, opportunities for players like Juzang have been few and far between. Still, the coaching staff has shown a willingness to reward hard work in practice and readiness to contribute when called upon. Friday’s game was a testament to that philosophy.
Juzang’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. After a standout college career, he entered the NBA with high hopes, but the transition to the professional level is always a challenge. The Timberwolves’ depth chart hasn’t made things any easier, with competition for minutes fierce across the board. Yet, Juzang’s perseverance is evident in his approach—he continues to put in the work, waiting patiently for opportunities like the one he received against the Pelicans.
His three-point make in the contest was a reminder of his shooting ability, something that caught the attention of scouts during his collegiate days. While he only attempted two shots on the night, converting one from deep, it’s the kind of efficient production coaches hope to see from a player in his role. The rebound and block he added to his stat line were just icing on the cake, showing he’s willing to do the dirty work as well.
As the Timberwolves look to regroup after their narrow loss, questions remain about how the bench can step up and provide more support for the starters. The regular season is a grind, and depth often becomes a factor as injuries and fatigue set in. Juzang’s performance, though modest, could be a sign that he’s ready for a larger role if the situation calls for it.
It’s worth noting that, up to this point in the season, Juzang “has no appeal, even in deeper fantasy formats,” as one analyst bluntly put it. But the NBA is full of stories where players seize a single opportunity and turn it into something more. Could this be the start of a bigger role for Juzang? Only time will tell, but for now, he’s shown that he can contribute when given the chance.
The Timberwolves’ coaching staff will undoubtedly be reviewing game tape and assessing which combinations work best as they continue their campaign. With the Western Conference as competitive as ever, every contribution counts, and depth could be the difference-maker down the stretch. Juzang’s effort against the Pelicans, even in a losing effort, will surely be a point of discussion as the team prepares for its next outing.
For fans, seeing a player like Juzang finally get a shot—and make the most of it—offers a reminder of the hard work happening behind the scenes. The NBA season is long, and roles can change in an instant. Whether or not Juzang becomes a regular fixture in the rotation, his performance on Friday night was a testament to staying ready and making the most of every opportunity.
As the Timberwolves set their sights on the remainder of the season, they’ll be hoping for more consistency from their bench and perhaps a few more breakout performances like the one Juzang delivered. For now, though, his season-high in minutes stands as a small but significant milestone in a season defined by perseverance and patience.
While the loss to the Pelicans stings, the Timberwolves can take some solace in knowing that players like Johnny Juzang are ready to step up when their number is called. With the season still unfolding and plenty of basketball left to play, all eyes will be on how the team—and its emerging contributors—respond to the challenges ahead.