Analysis
LaMelo Ball's 34 points show why the Wolves should share creation
Ball carried the scoring against Milwaukee. With Ayo Dosunmu handling more of the passing, Minnesota found a division of labor worth keeping.
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Timberwolves must fix the glass before rethinking Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama scored 43 in San Antonio's 121-111 win. The Wolves should start their response with the 16 offensive rebounds they allowed.
Analysis
Timberwolves need LaMelo Ball to pull the Spurs away from the rim
San Antonio has allowed 49.7% shooting on twos and 39.4% on threes. Minnesota should use Ball to create perimeter chances before challenging Wembanyama inside.
Analysis
Bones Hyland should run the Wolves' bench while Anthony Edwards is out
Hyland has played eight minutes a night so far. Last spring, when Edwards sat, he played 25 a night and made 38% of his threes. If Ayo Dosunmu moves into the starting five, the second unit needs him again.
Analysis
Without Anthony Edwards, the Wolves should beat the Warriors inside
Golden State has allowed 62.7% shooting on twos and sits 28th in defensive rebounding. Minnesota's first game without Edwards should run through Rudy Gobert, Joan Beringer and the paint.
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Anthony Edwards scored 47, and the Wolves lost it at the free-throw line
Both teams shot 23 free throws in Cleveland. The Cavaliers made 17, the Wolves made 14 and lost by two in overtime. Through four games, Minnesota is the worst free-throw shooting team in the league.
Analysis
Anthony Edwards' surgery calls for shared scoring from the Wolves
Shams Charania says Edwards will miss up to two months after a right-knee procedure. Minnesota should give Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. more work instead of asking LaMelo Ball to replace Ant.
Analysis
LaMelo Ball's four fouls a night are a problem the blowouts hide
Ball has picked up exactly four fouls in each of Minnesota's three wins and played 68 minutes in all. Margins of 22 to 25 points mean it has cost the Wolves nothing yet.
Analysis
Timberwolves should make James Harden defend in Cleveland
I'd use Harden's assignment as a screener and make Cleveland choose its help. His cold shooting is no reason to give him an easy night at the other end.
Analysis
Chris Finch must keep the Wolves' practice edge in his rotation
Finch welcomed the intensity of Minnesota's September workouts. That standard should reward useful bench minutes and survive a young player's mistakes.
Analysis
Timberwolves' home opener streak should set a higher standard
Minnesota has won 10 straight home openers. I want that reliability to last beyond Sunday, after a 26-15 home record last season.
Analysis
Trey Lyles should keep firing threes in the Timberwolves' bench role
Five three-point attempts in Orlando offered the right blueprint. Minnesota needs Lyles willing to shoot alongside its centers, with rebounding keeping those minutes worthwhile.
Analysis
Timberwolves' defense has a two-point warning beneath the wins
Orlando made 29 of 45 shots inside the arc. I'd demand better containment before treating Minnesota's 93 points allowed as proof the defense is settled.
Analysis
Timberwolves' rebounding gives Anthony Edwards room for an off night
Minnesota beat Orlando 115-93 with Edwards shooting 5-for-23. The shared work on the glass is the part of this win worth demanding again.
Analysis
Timberwolves need LaMelo Ball's short passes against Toronto
The Raptors arrive Sunday after forcing 23 Washington turnovers. Minnesota should keep attacking, with an outlet close enough to punish the help.
Analysis
LaMelo Ball's travel needs a fix, not a smaller Wolves role
The referees explained why Ball's Miami stepback was illegal. Finch should demand cleaner footwork while keeping his point guard aggressive.
Analysis
Timberwolves should keep hunting shooters after Dalton Knecht miss
Knecht agreed to a two-way deal with the Knicks after drawing Minnesota's interest. His uneven Lakers record is a reason to keep looking for shooting, without promising the next prospect rotation minutes.
