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Timberwolves Guard Bones Hyland Thinks You’re Overlooking Something
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- Timberwolves Guard Bones Hyland Thinks You’re Overlooking Something
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Bones Hyland knows what happens when his first couple of shots fall. The basket starts looking bigger, the crowd gets louder and the defense has to account for him farther from the rim. But after Minnesota's 127-101 victory over the Clippers on Friday, Hyland wanted to talk about what happens when the ball leaves his hands.
"I feel like my passing is so underrated," Hyland said . "That's something I want to keep displaying."
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He had the numbers to support the argument. Hyland finished with eight assists and just one turnover in 20 minutes, alongside 19 points.
The scoring was familiar. The distribution deserves a closer look, particularly with Anthony Edwards recovering from knee surgery and Minnesota needing more players to create good possessions.
Oct 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) celebrates making a shot against the LA Clippers in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Hyland's opportunity is expanding because Ayo Dosunmu has moved into the starting lineup. That leaves the reserves needing someone who can initiate offense, threaten the defense and deliver the ball when help arrives.
Against the Clippers, Hyland handled all three responsibilities. "I love seeing my teammates make those shots when I pass them," he added. "I think it's more credit on the assist side for me tonight."
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His passing production had already been increasing before that performance. Hyland recorded two assists against Toronto, two at Cleveland and three against Golden State before delivering eight against the Clippers. That amounted to 15 assists through Minnesota's first six games, despite averaging only 11.3 minutes.
Those totals reflect a player working within limited minutes. Friday offered a clearer view of what he can provide when he gets a longer stretch to influence the game.
Chris Finch's explanation centered on how Hyland uses his dribble.
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
"Bones is at his best when he's going somewhere with the ball," Finch said .
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The coach praised his shiftiness but identified the distinction between moving with the ball and actually making a defense react. When Hyland attacks directly, Finch explained, opportunities open for his own scoring, his passing and his teammates' shooting.
That is an important balance for a guard with permission to take difficult shots. His range can create an advantage before he drives. What he does with that advantage determines how much everyone else benefits.
Jaden McDaniels described the effect from a teammate's perspective.
"They still got to respect him because he's shooting from so deep as well," McDaniels said . "It helps open space for us."
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The Clippers game also showed that Hyland's involvement can extend beyond the initial pass. He discussed Minnesota's work finding Rudy Gobert in the middle of the defense, then trusting the center to move the ball toward an open shooter.
Hyland praised Gobert's decisions in those situations. It was an explanation of teammates solving a coverage together, with the first opening leading to another. That approach fits what Minnesota needs without Edwards. More available shots create opportunities, but the offense still needs players willing to move the ball rather than treating each possession as a personal audition.
Hyland acknowledged that responsibility when discussing his green light.
"Getting everybody involved, too, as well," he noted.
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His connection with the crowd gives those productive stretches an extra lift. Hyland described recognizing fans courtside and seeing a young supporter copy his celebration. Minnesota, he said, feels like home.
The challenge is making his influence dependable across different matchups and opportunities. One eight-assist performance establishes what is possible; repeating the decisions behind it would give Finch something valuable to build around.
Hyland's shooting will continue to draw attention. For a Timberwolves team trying to manufacture offense without its leading scorer, his ability to create someone else's basket could make his minutes considerably more valuable.
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