Despite the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their playoff series, a key bench player may be sidelined for Game 2 due to injury. While defending against Bradley Beal, Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson took a blow to the midsection from Beal’s right leg as Beal drove to the basket for a layup in the second quarter.
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Anderson immediately grabbed his hip in pain and exited to the sidelines before heading to the locker room. Initially marked as “questionable” with a right hip pointer, Anderson was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game by the Timberwolves.
Kyle Anderson (Right Hip Pointer) is OUT for the remainder of today's game. https://t.co/gdhhdJzTY2
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) April 20, 2024
Although there hasn’t been an official update regarding Anderson’s availability for Game 2, Wolves reporter Travis Singleton, also known as Sneaker Reporter, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he spoke with Anderson after the game and Anderson assured him he was fine following the incident.
“Caught up with Kyle Anderson as he was leaving Target Center and inquired about his condition,” Singleton reported. “He replied, ‘I’m good, should be ready for Game 2.’ This should provide some relief for concerned Wolves fans regarding Slo-Mo.”
Just ran into Kyle Anderson leaving Target Center and asked if he’s good. He said “I’m good I should be ready Game 2”. So that sounds encouraging for all Wolves fans worried about Slo-Mo 🐺🐺🐺
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) April 21, 2024
On the flip side of the collision, Beal expressed his concern for Anderson’s well-being and acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“Yeah, I’m alright, and I really hope Kyle’s alright,” Beal remarked. “I accidentally kneed him in the hip or something like that, it looked pretty rough. I can only imagine how painful that must have been, but no worries, I’m doing fine.”
Anderson’s contribution in Game 1 was limited to just five minutes, during which he scored two points, before exiting due to the injury. The 30-year-old played in 79 regular-season games, averaging 6.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Notably, Anderson’s availability for Game 2 is uncertain, and Suns forward Grayson Allen also suffered an injury during Saturday’s game, spraining his ankle. Allen attempted to drive into the paint against Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns before stepping back and sustaining the injury.
