Tim MacMahon explains what LaMelo Ball is doing to keep Timberwolves relevant even without Anthony Edwards
LaMelo Ball is making a difference at both ends of the court as the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to win without injured superstar Anthony Edwards, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Minnesota have put together a five-game winning streak despite Edwards undergoing a knee procedure that is expected to keep him out for two months.
Ball has averaged 20.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals across the eight games Edwards has missed. However, it is his defensive improvement that has caught MacMahon’s attention.
Tim MacMahon highlights LaMelo Ball’s defensive improvement in Minnesota Timberwolves
Speaking about Ball’s performances, MacMahon praised the guard’s work on the defensive end:
“LaMelo is playing the best defense of his career,” MacMahon said. “I was going to say his brother Lonzo might tell you he’s playing defense for the first time in his career, but he’s guarding.”
“Certainly, you can’t question Melo’s talent. Kuminga is doing what they hoped he would do. Dosunmu, his shooting splits are phenomenal. So they’re still getting elite production from the shooting guard position.”
That improvement is reflected in the numbers. Ball currently has a career-best individual defensive rating of 105, compared to his seven-year career average of 114.
The Timberwolves have also been considerably stronger defensively with him on the court. They are allowing 101.0 points per 100 possessions when Ball plays, compared to 111.7 when he sits.
Minnesota are currently the NBA’s best defensive team, conceding just 103.8 points per 100 possessions. Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, remains central to that success, but Ball’s contribution has given the team another important option.
There has also been plenty of support offensively. Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points per game, while Jaden McDaniels is producing a career-best 16.9.
Ayo Dosunmu has also stepped up with 18 points per game and shooting splits of .522/.469/.897.
MacMahon highlighted their contributions, saying: “Certainly, you can’t question Melo’s talent. Kuminga is doing what they hoped he would do. Dosunmu, his shooting splits are phenomenal. So they’re still getting elite production from the shooting guard position.”
Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade has also defended Ball against previous criticism, arguing that his reputation does not reflect the player he is.
With Edwards expected to miss two months, Minnesota will need this level of production to continue. Ball’s defensive progress could prove just as important as his scoring when the Timberwolves eventually welcome their leading star back.
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