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DALLAS — Everybody who played in Monday’s 125-122 win over the Indiana Pacers is good to go for Thursday’s game at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May said after practice Wednesday. Tip-off at Target Center is set for 7 p.m. CT, the first stop on a three-game road trip.
Minnesota has won four in a row, all of them without Anthony Edwards. The star guard underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss about two months, CBS Sports reported. He averaged 33.3 points in four games before the injury.
Since then, the Timberwolves have gone 5-2. At 8-3, they sit a game ahead of Dallas. The Mavericks are 7-4 and have split four road games, winning at Indiana and Miami. Last season, Minnesota beat the Mavericks all four times.
“Minnesota is very good,” May said. “Obviously, they have guys that can space the floor. They’ve got great individual defenders. They’ve got tough, tough shot-makers. So they present a number of challenges. But if we’re gonna see where we are, we’ve gotta be able to go on the road and play a really good, sound basketball.”
“And we proved we could do that, obviously not against Minnesota,” May continued. “But we proved we could play well away from the arena.”
After Minneapolis, Dallas visits the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Forward P.J. Washington has started all 11 games for the Mavericks this season.
“It’s some great tests for us,” Washington said. “I think everybody’s excited, obviously, to play some good teams, some good matchups, so it’s definitely going to be a great trip for us.”
LaMelo Ball Leads Minnesota Timberwolves Without Anthony Edwards
Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball in a July trade with the Charlotte Hornets. In 11 starts, he is averaging 18.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. He is making 38.5% of his 3-pointers on 8.7 attempts a game.
His 24-point night against the LA Clippers came Oct. 30, the second game Minnesota played without Edwards. Ball went 6-of-14 from three in the 127-101 win.
“Whoo, he’s special,” May explained. “His ability to score off the bounce, he can get his teammates wide open shots. He creates offense single-handedly. And he’s fun to watch, he’s entertaining. He’s got great energy, and you can tell, he just loves to hoop.”
Washington leads Dallas with 7.6 rebounds per game. He is also scoring 14.6 points a night.
“I think it’s a big difference,” Washington explained. “He’s a talented playmaker in this league. Obviously, he can shoot the three ball at an elite level, gets to the hole, and finds others. He’s definitely going to be a tough cover for us.”
Dusty May, P.J. Washington On Minnesota’s Supporting Cast
With Edwards out, Ayo Dosunmu moved into the starting lineup. Through seven starts and 11 games, he is averaging 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Jaden McDaniels adds 17.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Off the bench, Bones Hyland has scored 8.5 points in 12.3 minutes a game.
“I think Ayo has been thrust into a bigger role, and he’s shown that he’s more than prepared for it,” May said. “Bones Hyland has played well. You can go down the list, and then obviously, LaMelo and Jaden and those guys, they get a few more touches and a few more shots.”
“And I don’t want to say they’re just as good, but they’re really good,” May continued. “They’re obviously elite with that, and they’re really, really good without it.”
Jonathan Kuminga has started all 11 games for Minnesota and is shooting 40.8% from three. Per Basketball Reference, the Timberwolves rank second in the NBA in defensive rating.
“A lot of the other guys are stepping up,” Washington said. “Ayo Dosunmu’s been really good. LaMelo’s been very good. They have a lot of great guys on their team, Jaden McDaniels. … Even Kuminga’s been playing well, shooting the ball well.”
“So for us, I’d say just paying attention to detail, making sure we’re taking away their tendencies, and just playing Mavs basketball,” Washington continued.
Saturday’s game in Cleveland tips off at 6:30 p.m. CT. Sunday’s game in Boston starts at 5 p.m. CT, and Dallas comes home Nov. 18 to face the Golden State Warriors.
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