The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2026-27 preseason campaign with an emphatic 116-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. The result may not count toward the regular-season standings, but it offered plenty for Minnesota fans to get excited about.
Timberwolves vs Bucks: LaMelo Ball Makes Immediate Impact
The biggest storyline surrounding the Timberwolves was the debut of LaMelo Ball. Minnesota acquired the dynamic point guard during the offseason, and his first appearance showed why the organization was excited about adding him to the backcourt.
Ball immediately brought creativity and pace to the offense. His passing helped generate movement throughout the floor, while his pick-and-roll chemistry with Anthony Edwards stood out during the limited minutes they shared.
The Timberwolves looked committed to playing a more fluid offensive style, featuring drive-and-kick opportunities, quick passes and movement away from the ball. That approach could become one of the defining characteristics of the team this season.
Anthony Edwards Fits Into the New Offense
Anthony Edwards also showed encouraging signs alongside Ball. Rather than simply operating as a scorer, Edwards was more involved as a screener and roller, giving Minnesota another way to attack defenses.
The early chemistry between Edwards and Ball could become one of the most important developments of the Timberwolves game. Their ability to create opportunities for one another gives Minnesota another offensive dimension heading into the regular season.
Joan Beringer Provides Another Positive
Joan Beringer was another standout for Minnesota. The young big man scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting and added seven rebounds in only 15 minutes.
His performance was particularly notable because he appeared more comfortable and purposeful on both ends of the floor than he had earlier in his development. While foul trouble remains something he needs to improve, his progress gives the Timberwolves another intriguing piece for the future.
Beringer’s development could become increasingly important as Minnesota plans for the future of its frontcourt.
Jonathan Kuminga Brings Energy
Jonathan Kuminga finished the game with eight points, but his impact went beyond the box score. His athleticism and explosive play provided another glimpse of what he could bring to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves still have plenty of questions to answer before the regular season, particularly regarding Kuminga’s long-term role. However, the preseason opener provided an encouraging opportunity for him to play freely and show his athletic ability.
What the Timberwolves Can Take From the Bucks Game
The numbers were not perfect. Both teams dealt with preseason rust, combining to shoot just 70-of-178 from the field and 25-of-82 from three-point range. Minnesota also allowed 14 offensive rebounds and committed 11 turnovers.
Still, the Timberwolves vs Bucks matchup was more about experimentation, chemistry and establishing an identity than the final statistics.
For Minnesota, the most encouraging takeaway was the way several new and developing pieces fit together. Ball’s playmaking, Edwards’ willingness to adapt, Beringer’s growth and Kuminga’s athleticism give the Timberwolves plenty of reasons for optimism.
The preseason Timberwolves game may not carry standings implications, but it offered an early look at a team entering the 2026-27 season with renewed excitement and plenty of potential.
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