One Timberwolves Player Has Quietly Stepped Up in Anthony Edwards’ Absence

The Minnesota Timberwolves have needed more than one player to absorb Anthony Edwards’ offensive responsibilities.

Ayo Dosunmu is giving them a significant part of that answer.

The guard scored 26 points in Minnesota’s 115-109 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, helping the Timberwolves improve to 7-3. With Edwards sidelined following right knee arthroscopy, Dosunmu’s production has become increasingly valuable to a team adjusting its offensive workload. 

LaMelo Ball’s playmaking naturally draws attention, but Dosunmu’s recent performances deserve a closer look. He has provided another scoring option who can also help create opportunities for teammates.

That combination gives Minnesota more flexibility. The Timberwolves do not need every possession to begin and end with the same ball handler, even while their leading star remains unavailable.

Dosunmu’s performance against New Orleans combined scoring volume with efficiency.

He shot 8-for-14 from the field, connected on four of his six 3-point attempts and made all six free throws. He also contributed four assists and two rebounds in 39 minutes.

The variety is encouraging for Minnesota. Dosunmu produced from the perimeter and the foul line while continuing to contribute as a passer.

His outside shooting also complemented the contributions of Ball and Jaden McDaniels. Ball finished with 22 points and eight assists, while McDaniels scored 23.

Minnesota received substantial offense from three different players, easing the burden on any individual to carry the entire attack. The victory also moved the Timberwolves to 2-0 in NBA Cup play. 

For Dosunmu, the performance followed another productive outing against Houston. He recorded 21 points and six assists in Wednesday’s 117-107 victory over the Rockets, matching Ball’s six assists while narrowly leading him in scoring. 

Across those two road victories, Dosunmu totaled 47 points and 10 assists. Minnesota needed that production, and he supplied it in consecutive games against different opponents.

Replacing Edwards’ impact requires a shared effort. His absence creates additional shots and possessions, but turning those opportunities into useful offense remains a separate challenge.

Dosunmu’s recent work shows why he belongs prominently in that discussion.

His passing gives Minnesota another option when the initial action does not produce a shot. His scoring allows teammates to distribute responsibility rather than pressing to manufacture every missing point themselves.

There is also a longer-term opportunity here. When Edwards returns, Minnesota can benefit from having other players who have already handled greater offensive demands.

That does not guarantee Dosunmu will maintain the same scoring totals in a different role. It does give the Timberwolves recent evidence that he can contribute when asked to do more.

The immediate task remains winning through Edwards’ absence. Dosunmu has helped Minnesota do that with consecutive productive road performances.

If he continues pairing scoring with playmaking, the Timberwolves will have a stronger foundation for managing the weeks ahead—and another established option when their offense returns to full strength.