Timberwolves' Twin Stars Unite! LaMelo Ball Drops Deep Three in Debut, Joins Anthony Edwards to

　　By Intern Reporter Chen Yutang / Comprehensive Report

　　The Minnesota Timberwolves visited the Milwaukee Bucks in their preseason opener on Tuesday. LaMelo Ball made his debut in a Timberwolves uniform, pairing with Anthony Edwards for the first time as the team's new star duo. Ball wasted no time showcasing his signature deep range, draining a long three-pointer on his very first attempt. Both stars played just about 17 minutes before calling it a night, as the Timberwolves cruised to a 116–97 victory, winning by 19 points to secure their first preseason win.

　　Ball joined Minnesota via a trade this offseason, forming a highly anticipated new partnership with Edwards. The Timberwolves value Ball's exceptional passing and playmaking, hoping he can ease the ball-handling burden on Edwards and further unlock the latter's explosive driving ability and scoring firepower. This game marked the first time the two shared the floor in a competitive setting.

　　Ball wasted no time displaying his signature style. On his first career shot as a Timberwolf, he confidently pulled up from well beyond the three-point line, showing off his trademark deep range. Although it was just the preseason opener, he quickly settled into the game's rhythm, finishing with 11 points and 3 assists.

　　Edwards led the team with 14 points, though he shot just 4-of-13 from the field as he works to find his rhythm. Still, the Timberwolves' two core players helped the team seize control in their debut together. Minnesota led 31–20 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 60–48 by halftime.

　　Given it was a preseason game, the Timberwolves kept their starters' minutes light. Ball, Edwards, and the other starters logged roughly 17 minutes, finishing their on-court chemistry work in the first half before sitting out the remainder. The bench took over in the second half.

　　Beyond the new duo of Ball and Edwards, the chemistry between Ball and Rudy Gobert is also worth watching. Ball's offensive threat, combined with Gobert's elite pick-and-roll finishing, could further open up Minnesota's spacing. For Gobert, who is not known for creating his own offense, having a precise passer at point guard may make his offensive role much easier.

　　The Timberwolves heavily rotated their lineup in the second half, with all 20 active players getting at least six minutes of court time. The reserves successfully protected the lead, sealing a 116–97 victory.