Three Takeaways From Timberwolves’ 116-97 Preseason Win Over Bucks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their preseason with an encouraging performance Monday, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 116-97 in Milwaukee. Minnesota’s revamped starting five of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga, and Rudy Gobert shared the floor for the first time. Although preseason results carry limited weight, the opener provided an early look at how the Timberwolves’ new pieces could work together. One of the biggest positives for Minnesota was the performance of Joan Beringer. The young big man finished with 12 points and seven rebounds in only 15 minutes while recording the highest rebound rate on the team. With frontcourt depth potentially becoming important behind Gobert and Kuminga, Beringer showed that he could provide valuable minutes in the rotation after seeing limited action as a rookie. Minnesota’s new starting lineup also showed promising chemistry. Edwards remained a focal point of the offense despite a difficult shooting night, while Ball helped create opportunities for his teammates. Gobert provided his usual presence around the basket, McDaniels handled additional responsibilities, and Kuminga consistently attacked the rim. The performance was only the first step for a group that has not played meaningful basketball together. Minnesota will face stronger competition and more difficult situations once the regular season begins, but the preseason opener gave the starting unit an opportunity to begin developing chemistry.
Trey Lyles, meanwhile, had a difficult night from three-point range. Lyles made one of his four attempts from beyond the arc while playing 12 minutes. Before Minnesota added Kuminga, Lyles had been viewed as a potential option at power forward after returning to the NBA following a stint in the EuroLeague.
Lyles could still provide Minnesota with valuable floor spacing off the bench, but his ability to consistently convert perimeter shots will be important to his role in the rotation.
Minnesota’s 116-97 victory provided several encouraging signs in its first preseason action. The new starting five showed early potential, Beringer delivered a productive performance off the bench, and the Timberwolves received an opportunity to evaluate how their revamped roster fits together before the regular season begins.
