NBA preseason game in Des Moines: Bigger role for Luka Garza, a homecoming for Nick Nurse

A sellout crowd of 14,981 fans at Wells Fargo Arena were treated to a show Friday night.

Naz Reid scored 19 points while Jaden McDaniels added 17 and Anthony Edwards chipped in with 16 as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Philadelphia 76ers 121-111 in an NBA preseason game in Des Moines.

The 76ers’ Paul George poured in 23 points as the two teams battled before a packed house during the state’s first preseason game since 2018.

Nurse makes a pitstop at Grand View

Nick Nurse returned to two former coaching stops in his return to Iowa.

The Carroll native and former Iowa Energy coach brought his 76ers to Grand View to practice on Thursday. Nurse, who coached at Grand View, used the gym for Energy workouts as well. Coming back was extra special for the former Northern Iowa player.

“The gym looks a lot nicer, a lot nicer,” Nurse said. They’ve got that place looking really good and the school looks amazing. So it was pretty cool to see.”

Nurse stayed busy during his time back in Iowa. He also ventured back to Carroll briefly and spent part of Friday at an event for Iowa Wolves season-ticket holders in Des Moines. Nurse said he planned to visit with fans prior to the game as well.

"It's nice to be back," Nurse said. "I don't know if a chance comes around very often where you get to bring an NBA team back to your old stomping grounds like this."

Finch has a more memorable trip to Wells Fargo Arena

Wells Fargo Arena brought back some unsavory memories for Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. The last time he coached a team in the building, his Rio Grande Valley Vipers were playing the Iowa Energy in the D-League finals. The coach of the Energy at the time? Nurse. Iowa ended up winning the series.

“I got my ass beat,” Finch said.

Finch could appreciate just how much things have changed in his life since the last time he coached in Des Moines.

“When I was here the last time, we stayed in the Comfort Inn,” he said. “So now we’re at Hilton.”

Roosevelt High School graduate draws assignment as official

When NBA official Nate Green looked at his assignments for the preseason and saw he was working a game the Timberwolves were hosting, he figured he was headed to Minnesota. But as he looked more into the schedule, he noticed a pleasant surprise: The game was being played in his hometown of Des Moines.

“I just thought that was a very cool thing,” Green said. “I was obviously immediately excited.”

It was a nice homecoming for Green, a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Green went on to play basketball in college at Indiana State where he was a standout player in the Missouri Valley Conference. He played two seasons in the NBA G League and seven seasons of pro basketball in Italy. He’s now in his fifth season as an official. Working Friday’s game was extra special for him.

“I’m proud of where I’m from,” he said. “I’m proud to be an Iowan. I’m proud to be a graduate of Roosevelt High School. To be able to come work and share my passion for basketball and the business and career of officiating with people that I know and love and know and love me, I just have immense gratitude.”

A big season could be awaiting Luka Garza

Former Iowa Hawkeyes star Luka Garza is in his third season with the Timberwolves. But this one could be his biggest.

Garza, who has spent the last two seasons bouncing between Minnesota and Iowa playing for the team’s G League affiliate, has impressed Finch.

“He’s been great for us since we’ve had him,” Finch said. “I think now, with our new lineup, our new roster, there’s more opportunities for him to play situationally.”

Garza began his career with the Detroit Pistons before latching on with the Timberwolves. He’s averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 53 games with Minnesota the last two seasons.

Garza finished Friday's game with 14 points and three rebounds.

Joel Embiid a no-go for Friday's matchup

One of Philadelphia’s biggest stars wasn't at Wells Fargo Arena on Friday.

Joel Embiid was getting his knee evaluated and did not travel to Des Moines, according to team officials.

Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018, 2020 and 2023 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: NBA preseason game in Des Moines: Bigger role for Luka Garza, a homecoming for Nick Nurse