Chris Finch shared nothing but praise for LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga: two Minnesota Timberwolves newcomers who have embraced reduced roles on a contending team.

Ball and Kuminga combined for 36 points in Wednesday's 117-107 win over the Houston Rockets. They helped Minnesota score 35 points to Houston's 23 in the fourth quarter.

Kuminga connected with his point guard twice on the left wing for catch-and-shoot threes on the move. Their playstyles complement each other seamlessly, as the 6-foot-7 forward's downhill athleticism creates defensive gaps for Ball to exploit off the catch.

Minnesota will miss its star Anthony Edwards for up to two months after successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Last season's roster may have struggled with Julius Randle as the primary ball-handler. Now, they're more equipped to survive without Edwards, with Ball and Kuminga.

Defense is by far not Ball's specialty, but he's serviceable when the game is close and his team needs a stop. He has the tools to be a good defender at 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan; it's his effort that waxes and wanes.

The 27-year-old has averaged 1.9 steals this season, including a season-high three against the Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs last Saturday.

Finch praised him for staying out of foul trouble in the past few games. Ball finished with four fouls in the last two games and averages 4.2 fouls per game, a career-high.

His increased defensive activity could be key to his rise in foul rate. Playing in front of Rudy Gobert and alongside Jaden McDaniels raises his confidence to avoid being the defensive weak link.

Finch said he's empowered the 24-year-old to become the dirty-work role player. Kuminga's strength is scoring with explosive athleticism to blow past defenders and posterize them.

He's been versatile, averaging 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, one block and 1.2 steals. The defensive activity he's produced this season is the best in his career.

Kuminga finished Wednesday's win with 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal. The two-way wing nailed two corner threes with under two minutes left, helping Minnesota pull away.

He's been a nice addition to a Timberwolves squad that is 6-3. Kuminga is providing a spark on both ends of the floor, proving he can contribute to a contending team.