Minnesota Timberwolves point guard LaMelo Ball's impact on the local fanbase is evident after a viral clip of an elderly fan sitting courtside.
The Timberwolves have started the 2026-27 NBA season with a 5-3 record despite losing franchise superstar Anthony Edwards in the fourth game of the season. One of the reasons the Wolves have stayed competitive is summer signing LaMelo Ball.
Ball put up 34 points, six rebounds and three assists in the Timberwolves' 112-110 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on November 2. His performances are injecting local fans with life in Edwards' absence, as was clear during the win.
After Ball's fourth made three-pointer against the Bucks, he did his trademark celebration where he runs three fingers over the veins of his shooting hand. Fans noticed that the background features one very excited elderly fan repeating the same gesture with vigour and excitement.
Fans were thrilled to see the fan's assimilation into the current state of Timberwolves fandom.
"This is hilarious," said one fan .
"Yea Pop Pop!" said another fan about the seemingly grandpa-aged fan .
"There is nothing better than watching an older season ticket holder at a midweek game. You know they are there for nothing but love of the team," observed a fan .
"Had Son, Father and Gramps doing it," said another fan about his son and grandson also doing the same celebration next to him .
"For the culture, man," said another fan .
Ball has averaged 16.9 points and 5.9 assists as he gets acclimatised to the Timberwolves' offence, but he did have his first signature performance of the season against the Bucks.
With Edwards expected to miss almost two months of action, Ball will have the burden of leading the team's offence on his shoulders – both as a creator and a scorer.
The fans are embracing him despite a shaky start to the season, primarily because of how he has organised their half-court offence as a reliable playmaker and ball-handler who provides a two-way threat.
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