Photograph per the Minnesota Timberwolves on Youtube.
The NBA was put on official notice Thursday: Terrence Shannon Jr. has arrived. In head coach Chris Finch’s words, “He’s incredible.”
Shannon Jr. poured in 24 points in 35 minutes last night after notching 15 points in expanded minutes the prior game. He’s now scored at least 15 points in four of his last five games, netting more than 20 on three separate occasions since April 10. Known by his teammates as “TJ,” Shannon Jr. played a pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ series-clinching win over the Denver Nuggets, 110-98.
When TJ was asked about his mindset, the second-year standout responded, “Just be ready when my name called…got to perform.” According to Shannon, he was made aware that he’d be starting Game 6 when he walked “into the building,” and was he ever ready.
Shannon struggled from beyond the arc shooting a subpar 1 of 7 from beyond the arc, yet he made all five of his free throws and shot 62 percent from inside the arc. I predicted a 20-plus minute outing with a similar number of attempts from TJ coming into Thursday’s game, but I could never have imagined this outcome. In the biggest moment of his young career, Shannon Jr. outscored league veterans Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, combined. This kid is legit, and I would tell you not to look away because you might miss it, but I won’t —because he’s here to stay.
The Timberwolves will face the No. 2 seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semi-finals on Monday, May 4. A gargantuan task, but I expect similar results from both the Wolves and TJ. Watch for Chicago’s new favorite son to put on yet another clinic, playing an expanded role in this coming series.
