Ball’s Scoring Lifts Timberwolves Past Bucks

The Minnesota Timberwolves found a way past the Milwaukee Bucks on November 2, though their performance was uneven. The win was their fifth this season and came as the team adjusts to playing without Anthony Edwards, who is expected to miss significant time.

LaMelo Ball supplied a major bright spot, scoring 34 points on 21 shots and making six three-pointers. His recent shooting and turnovers had raised concerns, but against Milwaukee he drove Minnesota’s offense and helped create opportunities for teammates, even as he finished with three assists.

Ball and Ayo Dosunmu also helped push the pace. Dosunmu contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, along with a steal and a block. Ball praised Dosunmu’s speed, saying he tries to get him the ball when he sees an open lane.

Jaden McDaniels had a less effective shooting night, making five of 14 attempts. The concern for Minnesota is not only his accuracy but whether the offense is creating enough chances for him. With Edwards out, McDaniels could take on a larger scoring role, provided he looks for more shots and the team puts him in favorable positions.

Minnesota has been strong by some broader measures, placing among the league’s top teams in scoring margin and net rating. The team is 5-1 in games played without having competed the previous night. Its next test comes Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Texas against the Houston Rockets, where Ball will face a more physical defense.