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LaMelo Ball loves this ‘1-of-1’ X-factor who’s filling in all the gaps for Timberwolves
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- LaMelo Ball loves this ‘1-of-1’ X-factor who’s filling in all the gaps for Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball loves this '1-of-1' X-factor who's filling in all the gaps for Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
MINNEAPOLIS — After logging 21 minutes in another impactful performance off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves , teammates and coaches alike sang the praises of forward Trey Lyles, who is back in the NBA after a year playing overseas in Madrid. Those teammates include his point guard and fellow new acquisition LaMelo Ball .
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"I love Trey," said Ball, who had a breakout scoring performance on Monday against Milwaukee, going for 34 points in 33 minutes. "He knows how to play basketball. I tell him every day, 'You one of one, you know how to play basketball.' Whenever you got that on the floor, it really makes it easier."
In his 21 minutes against the Bucks, Lyles, a now 11-year NBA veteran, went for 12 points while knocking down two shots from behind the arc. He finished +4 for the night.
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"He's just a veteran in this league," said guard Ayo Dosunmu. "Him being out there, he understands what's needed at what time. His offensive rebounding, and combine that with his ability to stretch the floor, has been great for us. He gave us a big spark, hit a big three, big turnaround jump shot. I think that's something that you need."
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The consistent theme and message about the 30-year-old forward has been his basketball IQ and filling in gaps that need to be covered on the floor with his off-ball movement and efficiency as a scorer. Lyles has managed a 60.7 true shooting percentage through his first 134 minutes played. That true shooting clip ranks as the best on the team, per Databallr.
"It's been great," said Lyles, speaking to media after Monday's win over the Bucks. "I had a big role last year. Obviously, wasn't here, but this is a different level. It's awesome to be part of a team that is striving to win the championship and being a big part of that. And kind of being one of the older guys and just talking to guys and stuff like that. So it's been cool. … I've been having a good time with my teammates. It's been fun."
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With the injury to superstar Anthony Edwards, Lyles will continue to see significant rotational action moving forward, getting minutes as both a backup forward, as well as filling in as a small-ball center — a lineup that Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has not been hesitant to roll out in situations where he feels the team needs a spark.
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"That group, you know, gave us a chance to switch everything, and, just kind of keep a body in front of a body — that was key there," s aid Finch after their game against the Warriors last week , regarding the lineup with Lyles at the center position. "What I like about Trey is just a great, smart player. You know, makes things happen out there, is a really good help defender. Offensively, not only stretches the floor, but he's a good, like, next-action facilitator — really understands how to play basketball."
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