In his first appearance for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Johnny Juzang made an immediate impression, scoring 20 points off the bench in Tuesday’s 135–134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers at Target Center.
For Juzang, the night was less about numbers and more about taking advantage of the opportunity. “Yeah, it was great to play at home for the first time,” he said postgame. “My teammates were finding me, and we were just having fun out there competing. A lot of fun just to be out there first time on the home court and everything. So, exciting.”
The 24-year-old guard signed a one-year contract with Minnesota on August 1 after spending his first three NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz. He shot efficiently in his preseason debut, hitting 6 of 9 shots from the field, including six three-pointers.
When asked if he viewed preseason as a personal audition, Juzang focused instead on consistency. “Just trying to get better really every day,” he said. “Find ways to contribute but just focus on getting better every day. Get acquainted with the team and everything like that. Keeping it pretty simple really.”
Juzang joined a Timberwolves roster that has established itself among the Western Conference contenders. He said the fit has been seamless so far. “I’m just excited to be here,” he said. “Obviously success the last couple years, and I’m just excited to be a part of winning basketball and a great thing that’s been going. Just find ways to contribute and help winning.”
Juzang’s energy off the bench helped Minnesota erase a late deficit to force overtime. His three-pointer with seconds left in regulation tied the game at 124 before the Pacers edged ahead in the extra period.
The former UCLA standout also discussed how he stays ready when coming off the bench in the second half. “Get some shots up at halftime,” he said. “Do a little warm up in the hallway, try to get the body going, but just get shots up at halftime. Stay focused, stay ready.”
Familiar faces have helped his transition to Minnesota. “Jaylen tapped in,” Juzang said, referencing fellow UCLA product Jaylen Clark. “We got a couple UCLA guys in here, too. Having fun. I’m excited.”
As for what coaches want from him, Juzang said the message is straightforward. “Play hard, play defense, just all that stuff. Keeping it simple, man.”
