Edwards-Ball T-Wolves duo dazzle in preseason win over Bucks

The new Minnesota Timberwolves era officially kicked off with a one-sided 116-97 NBA preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 6, 2026, at Fiserv Forum.

The Western Conference franchise paraded newly acquired backcourt star LaMelo Ball in the win, and Minnesota made sure fans would lock in immediately after Anthony Edwards didn’t skip the opener, playing alongside the former Charlotte Hornets stalwart.

Minnesota’s newest two-headed monster led the team to a hot start as the Timberwolves quickly built a double-digit lead, thanks to Ball’s efficient 3-point shooting and Edwards’ aggressiveness in attacking the hole.

After the duo set the tone, the whole team followed their lead, with Jonathan Kuminga and Jaden McDaniels picking up where Edwards and Ball left off in the closing minutes of the second frame.

Much of the postgame buzz focused less on Minnesota’s dominant win and more on the duo’s chemistry. Despite playing together in their first preseason game, the young backcourt tandem showed flashes of brilliance, feeding off each other in several two-man weaves while communicating on the defensive end.

“He was great tonight,” Edwards said of Ball.

“You know, he played like his hair was on fire. He made sure everyone got involved and he talked more than I expected.”

During several timeouts and challenge situations, Ball was seen gathering the guys on the court, including Edwards, especially when the Bucks threatened to counter with a massive run.

Aside from his early offense, Ball also dimed the ball twice to Rudy Gobert on back-to-back alley-oop plays while swiveling a pocket pass to Kuminga on the fast break.

“The more we play, the easier it will get,” Ball said.

“That first game and the little practices that we got, I think we’re solid. We want to run; everybody is playing for each other, such a good feeling.”

Edwards finished the win with 14 points in just 18 minutes, alongside four rebounds and two blocks, while Ball added 11 points, four boards, three assists and a steal.

The Timberwolves will look to grab their second straight preseason win today against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers at James H. Hilton Coliseum.