Timberwolves beat Bucks as Ball and Edwards debut partnership, says Basket USA

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and newcomer LaMelo Ball debuted their backcourt partnership during a preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, Basket USA reported.

Timberwolves starters establish early tempo in Milwaukee

The Minnesota starters played exclusively in the first half of the preseason opener, building a 60-48 lead by intermission. Head coach Chris Finch deployed his new backcourt tandem immediately, handing LaMelo Ball 17 minutes of floor time and Anthony Edwards 18 minutes before resting them for the remainder of the evening. The restructured offense pushed the pace significantly faster than in previous seasons, utilizing Ball’s court vision to advance the ball up the floor quickly. Ball finished his debut night with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Edwards contributed 14 points on a 4-for-13 shooting night, though he posted a plus-minus rating of plus-13 during his time on the court.

Milwaukee trimmed the Minnesota advantage down to three points midway through the second quarter as the Timberwolves’ half-court offense slowed down. Edwards responded defensively by blocking a shot and converting a transition layup while drawing a foul to ignite a crucial 12-0 run. New acquisition Jonathan Kuminga and center Rudy Gobert punctuated that scoring burst with back-to-back dunks, reestablishing a comfortable cushion for Minnesota before the break.

Kuminga and Ware produce strong early performances

Jonathan Kuminga verified the athletic upside that Chris Finch highlighted during team media sessions, scoring 8 points in the first half alone. The former Golden State forward shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line and maintained defensive activity across both ends of the floor. On the opposing side, Miami Heat acquisitions also left their mark on the box score, led by Kel’el Ware with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double and Tyler Herro with 11 points for Milwaukee.

Minnesota’s reserves experienced a turbulent third quarter after the starters checked out for the night, allowing the Bucks to grab a brief 77-75 lead. The Timberwolves’ second unit steadied themselves with a closing 6-0 run to finish the period. Among the bench contributors, Joan Beringer recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds while showing high defensive energy, though he accumulated four personal fouls in just 11 minutes of action.