The Wolves (1‑0) head to Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23 at 6 PM CT to face the Magic (0‑1) in a high‑octane debut. Minnesota’s offense ranks 3rd in OFFRTG (124.8) and 4th in net rating (+24.8) after erupting for 12 triples in their season opener, though their three‑point accuracy sits at a modest .370. Orlando relies on a fast 110‑pace and elite free‑throw rate (4th‑most attempts after the Hawks loss). Key storylines: can the Wolves sustain their perimeter barrage against a frontcourt of Banchero, Wagner and Carter Jr., and will the Magic’s free‑throw prowess keep them competitive? The preview predicts a dominant Wolves win, 121‑106.
In Utah’s 123-103 loss to Memphis, rookie Ace Bailey showed flashes of defensive promise despite a slow start to his season, posting 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and three blocks in 24 minutes. Lauri Markkanen praised Bailey’s hustle on ball‑screens, while analysts note his improved box‑out rate cut opponents’ offensive rebounding by 8.7%, ranking in the NBA’s top percentile. Though the Jazz have demoted him to a bench role behind Darryn Peterson, Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., Bailey’s two‑way potential could earn him a larger role, especially with center Walker Nurkic sidelined. The piece weighs his defensive upside against the need for a stronger offensive impact as the Jazz look to solidify their frontcourt.
The Knicks are among the teams interested in Dalton Knecht following his release by the Lakers, according to Ian Begley of SNY. Knecht is eligible for a two-way contract, giving teams a chance to add the former first-round pick without using a standard roster spot. The Timberwolves have also been linked to Knecht, with Begley […]
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The New York Knicks have entered the race for former Lakers wing Dalton Knecht, a 2024 first‑round pick now free after being waived. Knecht, the 17th overall pick, posted 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 78 games as a rookie, but his production fell to 4.2 points in 54 games last season. While Sacramento, Minnesota and Toronto are eyeing him for two‑way spots, the Knicks already have three two‑way players—Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins—making any addition a roster puzzle. Knecht’s $4.2 million salary now sits as dead‑money cap space for the Lakers.
The Minnesota Timberwolves started out their season with a bang on Wednesday night with a blowout road win over the Miami Heat. The duo of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards was electric in this one, with Edwards leading the way with 45 points and nine three-pointers in the victory. Now, former NBA player and current […]
The post Is Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards-LaMelo Ball backcourt the NBA’s best? Kendrick Perkins says yes appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Jonathan Kuminga's ability to thrive in a complementary role has long been questioned, but Wednesday's game against the Heat showed that he's up for the task.
Rudy Gobert finishes the Timberwolves’ 131–106 season‑opening win over the Miami Heat with zero field goals but 15 rebounds, five offensive boards and elite screening that opened up space for Anthony Edwards’ 45 points and LaMelo Ball’s 21. Coach Chris Finch praised Gobert’s “unbelievable” screens, noting they sparked the flow of Minnesota’s 21 three‑pointers and helped sustain possession despite a low shooting night. The article argues Gobert’s impact goes beyond scoring, highlighting his role in rebounding, spacing and the team‑first mindset that fuels the Wolves’ new offensive identity.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points in his Heat debut. Afterward, he was more interested in discussing what he hadn’t done well enough. Miami lost 131-106 to the Timberwolves on Wednesday, an opening-night disappointment that prompted Antetokounmpo to question his new team’s effort and response to adversity. “We got to trust each other. When things don’t […]
The post Giannis Antetokounmpo challenges Heat after blowout: ‘It starts with me’ appeared first on Hoops Wire .
During the Timberwolves’ season‑opener in Miami, LaMelo Ball hit a three‑pointer after a controversial step‑back that many believed was a travel. ESPN’s Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson called for a whistle, and Ball’s brother Lonzo mocked the play on social media. Ball defended the move on SportsCenter, saying the ball “guided” him and he could take unlimited steps before the gather. The NBA Referees union rebutted, posting a detailed tweet that Ball gathered with his right foot and then took four steps, confirming the shot should have been called a travel. The basket counted, Minnesota won, and the debate sparked a lively online feud.
Rudy Gobert didn't fill up the stat sheet during the Timberwolves' season-opening win on Wednesday. Regardless, his impact was undeniable.
Jaden McDaniels's performance in the season opener is a great sign for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves’ new Anthony Edwards‑LaMelo Ball pairing instantly upgrades Minnesota into a Western Conference contender. In their season‑opening 131‑106 win over Miami, Edwards erupts for 45 points (nine threes, 10 rebounds) while Ball adds 21 points and six assists in his debut. The trade gives Edwards his first 20‑plus scorer partner and pairs Ball’s offense with a refined defensive effort, complementing veterans Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and newcomers Jonathan Kuminga. With the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama looming, Minnesota aims to avoid another conference‑final loss and target a deep playoff run in 2026‑27.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finally made the move to the Miami Heat after years of being a superstar on generally ordinary Milwaukee Bucks rosters. The two-time MVP arrived in Miami after winning the 2021 championship, but did not have the kind of help he needed in his later years at the franchise. Now, after the Heat were […]
The post Heat overreactions: Giannis Antetokounmpo facing nasty Bucks déjà vu after Timberwolves beatdown appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Heading into the season, many wondered if the Timberwolves could survive on the glass. Thankfully, the Wolves' rebounding was fantastic on opening night.
LaMelo Ball had an explanation for his viral stepback three-pointer. The NBA referees union wasn’t buying it. The union’s official social media account confirmed Thursday that the Timberwolves guard traveled on the play during Wednesday’s 131-106 road win over the Heat. “For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?’ It’s not!” NBA Referees wrote on X. […]
The post NBA refs: Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball traveled on viral stepback three appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Not that Anthony Edwards needs additional motivation to play basketball, but a Miami Heat player may have pushed the Minnesota Timberwolves star to go even further in his 45-point outing in a 131-106 win on Wednesday night.
Jonathan Kuminga showed the Wolves their ideal version of him against Miami, combining elite defense with efficient scoring within the flow of the offense.
The Minnesota Timberwolves got off to a winning start this season, defeating the Miami Heat on LaMelo Ball’s first game with his new team. Ball had a strong debut, scoring 21 points with five 3-pointers to go along with six assists. However, one of his baskets caught headlines as a stepback 3-pointer he made looked […]
The post Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball calls out his hatin’ a** brother Lonzo after hilarious missed travel appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Most fans watching Wednesday's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat knew LaMelo Ball got away with a travel.
One of the most interesting and hilarious moments of the NBA season so far came from new Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball. Ball and the Timberwolves secured a dominant 131-106 win over the Miami Heat to kick off the season, with Anthony Edwards and Ball having stellar games. Much of the conversation is about a […]
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Anthony Edwards ignites the Timberwolves' season‑opening blowout, scoring 45 points on 9 threes as Minnesota sinks 21 three‑pointers and dominates the glass 52‑34 against the Miami Heat. After the game, Edwards confronts a Heat bench player, telling reporters, “If you’re gonna talk s***, keep talking s***.” The win also features Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35‑point Heat debut, while newcomers LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga show they’re ready for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and the Timberwolves are ready while Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat need time.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and longtime former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson exchanged some words during Minnesota's season-opening, 131-106 road win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
Minnesota Timberwolves star point guard LaMelo Ball brushed off his brother, Lonzo, for calling out his missed traveling violation in a viral video.
If Wednesday night was any indication, the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to take a ton of threes this year.