Timberwolves rookie makes franchise history with big stat line in season finale

The Minnesota Timberwolves took care of business against the New Orleans Pelicans, 132-126, at Target Center on Sunday to build extra momentum heading into the playoffs.

Already locked as the sixth seed even before their season finale, the Timberwolves chose to rest their core players against the Pelicans. Aside from Anthony Edwards, who is still day-to-day due to a knee injury, Minnesota also played without Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Mike Conley Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, and Bones Hyland.

Joan Beringer got the starting nod at center and made the most out of the opportunity. He tallied career-highs of 24 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks, and 31 minutes.

According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Beringer is only the 12th teenager in league history to tally at least 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a game. He was also the youngest player to do it in team history.

Beringer, drafted as the 17th overall pick out of France, averaged 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 7.9 minutes in 40 games.

The 19-year-old rookie has shown potential with his size and athleticism. It helps a lot that his compatriot, Gobert, is on the squad. The 33-year-old veteran has aided Beringer in his transition to the NBA, and the latter will only get better as he progresses.

With Timberwolves coach Chris Finch expected to tighten his rotation in the playoffs, Beringer might not see a lot of action. But he showed against the Pelicans that he can produce if given ample minutes.

The Timberwolves, who finished with a 49-33 record, will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

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