LaMelo Ball praised Bones Hyland’s impact off the bench and highlighted Minnesota’s team-first approach after the Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 115-100 on Sunday.
“When Bones is rolling, it’s definitely easier,” Ball said. “I mean, it’s another point guard just getting to it. So, it just opens the whole floor up and makes it that much easier.”
Hyland scored 14 points in 13 minutes, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and adding two assists. He helped Minnesota create separation late in the third quarter after Utah had stayed within reach.
Ball also praised Ayo Dosunmu, who scored 26 points and helped lead the Timberwolves’ offense.
“Ayo is a track star. I mean, what I call him the Jet,” Ball said. “He definitely get out and run and I love people who get out and run. For sure. I mean, easy to play with.”
Dosunmu finished 7-of-13 from the field, made four three-pointers and converted all eight free throws. Ball contributed 24 points and five assists, while Rudy Gobert recorded 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Asked about his defensive contributions, Ball credited the coaching staff rather than taking individual credit.
“Yeah, pretty much just listening to the coaches doing the best I could,” he said.
Ball made one of the game’s biggest plays midway through the third quarter. He stole the ball at midcourt and finished with an uncontested dunk to give Minnesota a 70-63 lead.
The Timberwolves then closed the quarter with a strong run, extending their advantage to 90-72. Hyland scored seven quick points after entering the game, helping Minnesota take control.
Ball said the team stayed patient instead of allowing Utah’s runs to disrupt its approach.
“I think just sticking with it for real,” he explained. “I mean, as the game goes on, usually somebody die out.”
He also credited the bench for changing the momentum after Minnesota’s reserves provided an early boost.
“Tonight definitely a good start for sure,” Ball said. “I mean, we was lacking and then they came in and pushed it up.”
The point guard stressed that Minnesota needs contributions from the entire roster throughout the season.
“I feel like you always need your whole team. I mean, you know, that’s why you got a bench,” he said. “That’s why you have all these players and everything. It’s basketball.”
Ball also discussed the importance of adjusting during games rather than relying exclusively on the coaching staff.
“Yeah, pretty much what you just said, just figuring it out on the fly,” he said. “That’s big and just basketball period. If you could do that, that’s great for your team.”
The Timberwolves improved to 8-3 with their fourth consecutive victory. They have won five of seven games without Anthony Edwards, who is expected to miss two months after undergoing knee surgery on October 29.
Ball emphasized that every game matters as Minnesota builds toward the middle and end of the season.
“I think every game’s important. I mean, just winning and just trying to build something for the end,” he said. “You want to set yourself up for the middle of the season, the end of the season. So, obviously, every game count.”
Minnesota has opened its season-long eight-game homestand with a victory and will host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, November 12.
