Chris Finch Praises Timberwolves' Ball Movement as They Rout Magic

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a strong start to their season, and in their second game of the year, they defeated the Orlando Magic 115-93 in a full-team effort. 

The two focal points, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, did not have a particularly strong game against the Magic, but the depth of this team was highlighted much of the night. 

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch spoke to the media after the game about Minnesota’s ability to pass the ball in this game, and he was pleased with what he saw from his group. 

“Everybody came in and really did a great job,” Finch said. He also mentioned how the addition of LaMelo Ball has influenced other players to become better passers. 

Finch went into detail about how Anthony Edwards has been able to pass out of double-team situations and make a play for the offense, and he said the ball movement on the team is “contagious.”

The Timberwolves finished this game with 33 assists, 10 more than the Orlando Magic. They were able to get a big boost from their second unit, which was led by Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the game with 14 points and 9 assists. 

The lift was needed from that group, as LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards shot a combined 9-36 from the floor. With a win like this, the Minnesota Timberwolves could have a lot of momentum going into future matchups, knowing that their best players could have an off night and they could still find a way to win. 

If players like Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. can continue to be productive for this team, it could keep them in games that opposing teams may not expect them to be in. With much of the attention going to this backcourt, these players are giving other teams a reason to account for them as well. 

Friday’s game against the Magic showed off Minnesota’s true identity as a team. Once again, they were versatile and moved the ball around at a high level. If this team can continue to be intense on both sides of the floor, their ceiling will be very high.  

The best thing this team has going for them is their team morale. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball have built strong chemistry to start the season, and they’ve made it clear they enjoy playing with one another. 

With the team chemistry being so apparent, added to the results, Minnesota is arguably the hottest team in the NBA, and they could eventually become the favorite to make it out of the Western Conference.