Anthony Edwards returned from a six-game absence on Monday night. In the traditional sense, his 17 points, two rebounds, and four assists didn't jump off the page. However, I liked everything that I saw from Ant-Man's 23 minutes, and he helped the Minnesota Timberwolves take care of business against the Dallas Mavericks.
Last week, I wrote an article about the need for Ant to be utilized more off the ball and for him to get out in transition. On Monday, we saw both of these things in full effect. Notably, five out of Ant's seven made field goals were assisted. For reference, just 39.2 percent of his made field goals are assisted on the season.
He was taking a backseat, so to speak, allowing others to initiate the offense, while moving exceptionally well off the ball. Plus, he aggressively looked for opportunities in transition.
Ant playing more off the ball helped spark a free-flowing offense and a big night for several of his teammates. Julius Randle (24 points) and Ayo Dosunmu (18 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists) had standout performances. Ayo, being the Wolves' lead initiator, also helped create open shots for Ant-Man on the perimeter.
This game serves as a reminder that the Timberwolves are at their best when everyone is involved. With this win, the Wolves moved up to 27-14 in games where Ant scores fewer than 30 points.Â
The Timberwolves should use Anthony Edwards off the ball more
To be clear, the Wolves need Edwards' elite self-creation to succeed at the highest level. Likewise, Ant iso-plays will always be part of the Wolves' offense.
However, this can't be their entire offense, and it was trending dangerously close to that at times this season. The Wolves have too much offensive talent for this to be the case, and Ayo is quickly proving he can be a high-level lead facilitator.
Using Ant off the ball just a bit more makes the Wolves' offense less predictable, helps empower other players in the offense, and creates open shots for Edwards. It simply benefits everyone. Monday's game was a nice balance of Ant creating for himself and "letting his teammates cook."
As for getting out in transition, that's more self-explanatory: Ant is an elite athlete who can add a few extra easy points by pushing the pace after a turnover or rebound. Getting out in transition is also connected to more defensive engagement, which has been a problem at times this year.
We saw all of these positive things (including increased defensive engagement) during Monday's win. As the Wolves fight for a playoff spot with Jaden McDaniels sidelined for at least a week, hopefully, Ant continues to be used and contributes in a slightly more off-ball role.
All season long, it's clear that the Wolves are a different team when everybody eats, and this should be their offensive blueprint in the playoffs.Â