Luka Doncic calls Naz Reid the Timberwolves' 'X factor'

Reid scored 27 points in Wolves' 119-101 win over Dallas Thursday night

Naz Reid was dominant Thursday night, helping the Wolves turn a poor start into an blowout win over the Mavericks in Dallas. 

Minnesota stumbled out of the gate and trailed 17-2 before the blink of an eye. While a returning Anthony Edwards struggled mightily (3 of 19 shooting), Reid was a force. The 24-year-old big man tied a Wolves franchise record with seven 3-pointers off the bench on his way to a 27-point night.

"It was feeling good," said Reid on the Bally Sports North telecast. "It was going tonight. My teammates kept finding me and I was able to make those shots."

Reid, who refers to his opponents as "food," said Thursday night was no exception.

"That's every night, regardless."

What a night for Naz Reid! He spoke with @JonKrawczynski after his career night in the win over Dallas. #RaisedByWolves | #NBA pic.twitter.com/C2JkgVpRyF

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) December 15, 2023

Luka Doncic, who led all scorers with 39 points, singled Reid out in his postgame interview. 

"They're good in both ways, offense, defense. They have an amazing team. Ant is one of the best in the league for sure. But I think there is one X factor: Naz Reid," said Mavs star Luka Doncic. "He's an amazing player, man, and he hurt us today. He's been hooping."

Dec 14, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) avoids a leaping Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas head coach Jason Kidd echoed a similar sentiment after the game: "It's just one of those night. When you look at the guys that got looks, they didn't go down for us tonight. Again, Minnesota is the best team in the league and we felt we were playing well." 

"It's just one of those night. When you look at the guys that got looks, they didn't go down for us tonight. Again, Minnesota is the best team in the league and we felt we were playing well."

Jason Kidd reacts to tonight's game. #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 pic.twitter.com/nmAZZ6OkPu

— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) December 15, 2023

After such a dominant performance Thursday on the road, it's hard not see why many national commentators are saying the Wolves are title contenders. Minnesota has a 2.5-game lead over the defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference and is tied with Boston for best record in the league.

Minnesota returns to Target Center Saturday to host the 13-9 Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT. 

Dec 14, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) avoids a leaping Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports