Minneapolis residents saw the Minnesota Timberwolves maintain their playoff push after guard Ayo Dosunmu moved into the starting lineup while star Anthony Edwards continues recovery from a knee injury that required surgery, according to CBS News and KDH News.
Coach Chris Finch said the new backcourt pairing of Dosunmu and point guard LaMelo Ball “both can really score at all different levels” and “open up a lot of things for everybody.” The duo has provided the team with a dynamic offensive spark, helping the Timberwolves avoid a slump despite Edwards’ absence.
Dosunmu has tallied 92 points in four games this month, shooting better than 50% from the floor. He is 9 for 20 from three‑point range and 17 for 18 from the free‑throw line, while averaging 35 minutes per game, CBS News reported. His shooting percentages stand at 52% overall and 47% from three‑point distance, and he is averaging better than 18 points per game – all career highs, according to KDH News.
The 26‑year‑old re‑signed with the Timberwolves on a five‑year, $112 million contract last season, a deal intended to secure an instant scorer and energy source off the bench. His 43‑point performance against the Denver Nuggets in the 2024 playoffs, when Edwards was also sidelined, demonstrated his ability to lead the offense.
Ball praised Dosunmu’s speed, likening him to a “track star” and saying, “I like to play fast. He’s faster than no other. He’s like a track star out there,” as quoted by both outlets. Dosunmu echoed that sentiment, describing his mindset as similar to a running back: aggressive, always looking to get downhill and create opportunities for teammates.
Finch’s offensive strategy, which has at times been hampered by players searching for shots, aims to capitalize on the team’s athleticism and faster pace, a goal reinforced by Ball’s arrival and Dosunmu’s scoring burst.
Dosunmu credited his improvement to film study and the screening ability of center Rudy Gobert, noting that his sixth year in the league has given him a deeper scouting knowledge and confidence in the coaching plan.
Sources: cbsnews.com, kdhnews.com
