Rob Dillingham Stats Tonight: How did the Timberwolves guard fare against Toronto Raptors? (Nov. 21)
Rob Dillingham and the Minnesota Timberwolves took on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday at the Scotiabank Center. The rookie’s first appearance came with 4:30 left in the first quarter when Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sent him in for Jaden McDaniels. Dillingham immediately made an impact by beating his defender off the dribble for a layup.
The former Kentucky star also had a steal and assist in his limited time on the court. He missed a 20-footer at the buzzer as Minnesota trailed 32-27 after the first 12 minutes.
Like in the opening quarter, Dillingham played late in the period. He came in with 2:14 remaining in the second quarter to relieve Nickeil-Alexander Walker. Dillingham didn’t attempt another shot but recorded another steal. The Timberwolves moved to within 52-51 at halftime.
Rob Dillingham saw action for roughly three minutes in the third quarter. He came in for Jaden McDaniels with 3:51 in the said period. The rookie committed one foul before he was taken out by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Minnesota finally had the lead, taking a 79-77 advantage heading to the fourth quarter.
Chris Finch refused to send the rookie back in a tightly-contested game. The Timberwolves coach rode his veterans to close the matchup. Minnesota lost the final quarter 33-26 and the game 110-105.
Rob Dillingham played a career-high in minutes against the Toronto Raptors
Rob Dillingham has had trouble breaking into the Minnesota Timberwolves' veteran backcourt rotation. He plays behind Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In close games, he usually spends time learning from the bench.
On Thursday, Chris Finch played 9:45 seconds, the most in his NBA career so far. Before the outing against the Toronto Raptors, the most he played was nine minutes in the Timberwolves' 106-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 14.
The Timberwolves raved about Dillingham's speed and shotmaking in the preseason. It might take a little more time before he gets consistent playing time, though.