After a brief hiatus due to a right ankle sprain, Rob Dillingham made his highly anticipated return to the court on Friday night, facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup was particularly significant for the Minnesota Timberwolves rookie, who was eager to showcase his skills after missing four games. The game took place without the Lakers’ star player, LeBron James, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Dillingham entered the game late in the first quarter but was quickly substituted out at the start of the second. He made his return with just two minutes remaining in the third quarter, contributing to the Timberwolves’ efforts by assisting teammate Naz Reid on a crucial three-pointer. Dillingham then showcased his shooting ability by hitting a three-pointer of his own, helping to extend Minnesota’s lead to 77-66 as they headed into the final quarter.

In the early moments of the fourth quarter, Dillingham found the basket again with another three-pointer, although he missed two subsequent attempts before being taken out of the game. Despite Dillingham’s limited minutes, his contributions were part of a collective team effort that saw the Timberwolves secure a 97-87 victory over the Lakers.

Leading the Timberwolves was Anthony Edwards, who scored 23 points, while Julius Randle added 21 points to the scoreboard. In total, three other Timberwolves players reached double figures, showcasing the team’s balanced offensive attack.

On the other side of the court, the Lakers managed to keep the game competitive with Anthony Davis leading their scoring with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves and Max Christie also contributed significantly, scoring 18 and 15 points respectively. However, the absence of LeBron James was felt, as the team struggled to find consistent scoring options.

Here’s a breakdown of Rob Dillingham’s performance in the game:

Despite Dillingham’s offensive contributions, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has emphasized the importance of developing his defensive skills. Known primarily for his scoring ability, Dillingham was acquired by Minnesota during the 2024 NBA Draft, and Finch has made it clear that enhancing his defensive game is crucial for his overall development.

“I think he’s found a small package within our offense that he really can thrive in,” Finch noted. “I think it’s pairing that down for him, and him being comfortable is important because he can focus on those things.”

Standing at 6-foot-1, Dillingham faces unique challenges as an undersized guard in the league. Coach Finch elaborated on the need for him to find ways to make a defensive impact, stating, “He’s got to get better as the low man in the back, down at the bottom of the floor. I know it’s going to be tough for him down there, but he’s got to find a way to impact. Whether it’s come early, get steals, take a charge, be vertical, all those things are important.”

As the Timberwolves continue to navigate the season, Dillingham’s growth as a player will be closely monitored. His ability to adapt and improve on both ends of the court will be vital not only for his personal success but also for the team’s overall performance as they aim for a strong showing in the Western Conference.