The Minnesota Timberwolves are now 5-2 without Anthony Edwards. While it's been a team effort, LaMelo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu have both been crucial in providing ample perimeter creation without Edwards.
Over the past seven games, Ayo is averaging 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4 assists, on 53.3/47.2/95.7 shooting splits, while Ball has averaged 20.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 4 rebounds on 45.8/39.1/90.5 shooting splits. What has stood out, beyond their raw production, is how much synergy they have when sharing the court. The two players have proven to fit well alongside each other, and their skill sets complement each other perfectly.
The Timberwolves' latest win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday was a great example of the LaMelo-Ayo duo. Dosunmu led the way with 26 points, and Ball wasn't far behind him with 24 points.
Why LaMelo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu work so well together
To me, what makes this pairing work so well is that they cover up each other's weaknesses. While this part of his game has been better this season, Ball isn't great at generating rim pressure or finishing around the rim with physicality. Ayo, on the other hand, is a superb rim finisher, ranking in the 96th percentile for rim attempts per game and the 84th percentile for rim field goal percentage according to Databallr. This skill set also helps alleviate the pressure off Ball as a creator.
On a similar note, Ball's defense has improved from past years, but it's still not a strength. Luckily, Ayo is a high-level perimeter defender with solid versatility.
Despite being a highly efficient 3-point shooter, Dosunmu's volume is low. Moreover, while Ayo is a smart and efficient playmaker, he's not a true lead guard. Thankfully, Ball is one of the league's best playmakers and volume 3-point shooters. Not only does this offset some of Dosunmu's weaknesses, but it gives him easy opportunities to attack. Whether it's open shots, a more advantageous matchup, or playing off his gravity, Dosunmu benefits from playing alongside LaMelo.
Dosunmu's well-rounded skill set and ability to scale up or down make him a fit alongside just about anyone. Likewise, Ball's playmaking makes him a seamless fit with most players.
The bigger picture is that, between Ball's blend of shooting and playmaking and Ayo's finishing, the Wolves' offense is incredibly difficult to defend. Elite teams can beat you in different ways, and partly thanks to this duo, the Timberwolves have this element despite not having their best player.
Of course, the Wolves' backcourt of the future is Ball and Edwards, not Ball and Dosunmu. Still, once Edwards comes back, they'll surely run a lot of three-guard lineups. As such, the synergy between Ball and Dosunmu will continue to shine once Edwards returns.
For now, the Timberwolves are fortunate to still have two high-level guards whose games complement each other.
Add us as a preferred source on Google