LaMelo Ball keeping Timberwolves afloat without Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LaMelo Ball proves worth by keeping Timberwolves afloat without Anthony Edwards

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Nov 9, 2026 12:00 AM ET

Once it was known that Antony Edwards would be out for several months, many started predicting the demise of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

And while the Timberwolves will still eventually only go as far as Edwards can take them, they haven't missed a beat without him yet.

LaMelo Ball has helped the Timberwolves build a win streak

Keeping Minnesota afloat, LaMelo Ball, brought in via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets during the offseason to provide Edwards with a co-star, has proven his worth as the face of the franchise recovers from a right knee procedure.

Ball even put his efficiency and scoring touch on display in the Timberwolves' 115-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the team's fourth-straight victory.

He scored 24 points, connecting on 10-of-20 shots for a 50% game from the field. Ball also hit four three-pointers on 10 attempts and added five assists, three rebounds and a pair of steals to his box score.

ANOTHA ONE pic.twitter.com/GYb7w9iAjl
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 9, 2026

Sunday marked Ball's fourth straight game with at least 20 points, three of the four coming while shooting 50% or better. Ball is averaging 25 points, 5.5 assists, 3.3 boards and a 52.5% clip so far in November.

And overall through 11 games this season, the 25-year-old point guard now owns averages of 18.3 points, six assists and 3.3 rebounds to go along with hitting 46.9% of his shots.

Minnesota desperately needs Ball to stay at this level

Ball is far from the perfect player, and he's still put up some subpar performances — he only scored 10 and eight points in Minnesota's two most recent losses before their current win streak.

However, Minnesota would be lost without Ball right now, as he's stepped up to carry the team after the unforeseen and most devastating thing that could happen occurred.

But of course, Ball will need to stay at this level in order for the Timberwolves to be high enough in the standings to be a true contender when Edwards does return to action in late December or January.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market. Asti contributes to Sirius XM's Big 12 channel and hosts a podcast 'Mike Drop' as part of the Bleav Network.

More must-reads: