The NBA playoffs continue to heat up, and a familiar face from Rocky Top got a chance to shine on the big stage. Former Tennessee Volunteer Julian Phillips logged 10 minutes for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs. While the Timberwolves fell 133-95 at the Frost Bank Center, Phillips made the most of his time on the court, contributing three points and a steal while hitting 1-of-3 from the field, including his only three-point attempt.

The series is now tied 1-1, setting up a pivotal Game 3 on Friday at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EDT. In a matchup of rising stars, Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 19 points in 26 minutes, while Anthony Edwards managed just 12 points in 24 minutes for Minnesota.

Phillips, who played one season at Tennessee as a freshman in 2022-23, appeared in 32 games with 25 starts for the Vols. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game during his time in Knoxville. The 6-foot-8 forward was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft, but his draft rights were traded multiple times before landing with the Chicago Bulls. He prepped at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri.

As the series shifts back to Minnesota, all eyes will be on whether Phillips can earn more minutes and help the Timberwolves regain home-court advantage. For Vols fans, it's another exciting chapter in the postseason journey of a former star.