Jaden McDaniels is giving the Timberwolves everything they need on both ends of the floor
Jaden McDaniels is off to a fantastic start this season, and he's giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a ton of two-way value.
Latest news and updates about the Timberwolves
Jaden McDaniels is off to a fantastic start this season, and he's giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a ton of two-way value.
Minnesota Timberwolves fans with a TV provider got some good news Monday, as games on DAZN will now be available to DirecTV subscribers too.
After three games, the Minnesota Timberwolves top the NBA in rebounding, hauling 52 boards vs. Miami, 61 vs. Orlando, and 49 vs. Toronto. Coach Chris Finch credits a new “pursuit” mentality, led by Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and Jonathan Kuminga, and improved first‑shot defense. Despite losing Naz Reid and Julius Randle, a smaller lineup forces everyone to crash the glass, boosting offensive possessions and contributing to three blowout wins. Center Rudy Gobert stresses that all five players must stay active on the boards, a shift that could make the Wolves a Western Conference threat this season.
The Timberwolves played a strong two-way game, while the Raptors struggled.
While the Minnesota Timberwolves have great vibes after three games, what will it look like when they hit adversity?
DirecTV and DAZN seal a multiyear deal to carry local games for the Cavs, Pacers, Grizzlies, Timberwolves and Spurs, extending access to DirecTV streaming, satellite and U‑verse customers in each team’s home market. While the agreement adds a new option for existing DirecTV subscribers, fans on Spectrum, YouTube TV or other services still face extra subscriptions, sparking backlash over the DAZN partnership. Questions linger about package requirements, refunds for current DAZN users, and whether the added coverage truly eases the Cavs’ TV woes. The article weighs the modest progress against ongoing fan frustration.
All five NBA teams that signed exclusive local broadcast deals with DAZN—Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs—have now secured simulcast agreements with DirecTV. Starting this week, DirecTV Choice or higher subscribers can watch the teams' games, effectively turning the streaming‑only rights into a direct‑to‑distributor model. The move hints at a strategic shift after early-season backlash over limited access, though it remains unclear if additional cable or satellite deals will follow or if teams will adjust their fees.
The Timberwolves' backcourt of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball creates headaches for opposing defenses, and there might never be a solution to guarding them.
The Cavaliers face undefeated Minnesota after two alarming fourth-quarter performances. Cleveland must prove it can finish games against elite competition.
The Minnesota Timberwolves open the 2026‑27 NBA season with a Luka‑like surge, prompting comparisons to the Clippers’ 2010s ‘Lob City.’ New guard LaMelo Ball pairs with scoring phenom Anthony Edwards, who erupted for 45 points in the season‑opener—joining Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players with back‑to‑back 40+ point openers. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith calls the Wolves “a show,” while analysts like Kendrick Perkins and Zach Lowe hail the backcourt as the league’s best. With Ball’s playmaking relieving Edwards of creation duties, Minnesota’s offense looks more efficient, and the roster boasts the deepest talent pool in franchise history. Early buzz suggests the Wolves could become a true championship contender, not just a highlight reel.
Jonathan Kuminga sparks a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors as the Timberwolves open the season 3-0. The 23‑year‑old tallied 13 points, four rebounds and earned praise from coach Chris Finch for his defense, hustle and rebounding. Kuminga, shooting 48% and averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3 assists, adds a triple‑threat skill set alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and LaMelo Ball. A former Warriors champion who won a title at 19, he could be key to Minnesota’s push for a top Western seed as they face the Cavaliers on Monday.
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blowing out the Toronto Raptors in a home win. Point guard LaMelo Ball, praised for his shooting and creative passing, admits he occasionally taps teammates on the head to keep them alert for his unconventional assists, as shown in a Timberwolves YouTube interview. His on‑court chemistry with Anthony Edwards is clicking, though Edwards’ knee flared during the game. With the duo healthy, Minnesota looks poised to contend for a top spot in the Western Conference this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blasting the Toronto Raptors in their first home game and lifting their all‑time winning percentage to .42148, edging out the Brooklyn Nets for the league's worst historical record. The win marks a franchise milestone and underscores the Wolves' resurgence after dismantling three former playoff teams. With Anthony Edwards returning from knee woes, LaMelo Ball thriving in his new role, and free‑agent Jonathan Kuminga contributing, Minnesota now looks capable of challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the West. The Wolves head to Cleveland next on Monday.
LaMelo Ball sparks the Minnesota Timberwolves with 15 points, eight assists and a head‑up approach that helped the team start 3‑0, while Terrence Shannon Jr. praised his slick three‑point move. In Indiana, the Pacers lose center Ivica Zubac to a sprained ankle (same as last season) but Jay Huff steps up with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, Lakers rookie Walker Kessler admits his emotions got the best of him in a return against Utah, posting two points and seven rebounds as Los Angeles improves to 3‑0 behind Luka Dončić’s 52‑point outburst. The roundup highlights key performances, injuries and early season momentum across the NBA.
Jonathan Kuminga has thrived while guarding some star forwards early on in the season, and he's uplifting the Minnesota Timberwolves' defense.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-0) travel to Cleveland on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6 PM CT for their first back‑to‑back matchup against the 1‑1 Cavaliers. After a hot 48% three‑point night, Coach Chris Finch relied on a deep 11‑man rotation, while LaMelo Ball’s foul trouble forced adjustments. The Wolves boast league‑leading rebounding and solid defensive effort, highlighted by rookie Isaiah Evans and versatile Bones Hyland. Cleveland counters with dominant interior play from Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley and the scoring of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, though their defense lapses on the wing and turnovers remain a concern. The preview predicts Minnesota’s depth and hustle will challenge Cleveland’s bigs and test their resilience on the road.
The Timberwolves beat the Raptors 117-94, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points, and enter their next matchup against the Cavaliers at 3-0. However, Edwards is listed as questionable due to right‑knee injury management, and his availability could go either way, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. Minnesota also lists Donte DiVincenzo (out with Achilles surgery) on the injury report. Cleveland meanwhile has three players out, including Khalifa Diop (knee) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back). Fans will be watching closely to see if Edwards suits up for Monday’s game.
The Timberwolves are rolling at 3-0, but Anthony Edwards' right knee is acting up again, and he's questionable tonight in Cleveland.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have started the 2026-27 season with a 3-0 record, and their splashy summer addition, LaMelo Ball, is feeling good.
In just three games, Jonathan Kuminga has made 7 of his 11 3-point attempts with the Timberwolves.
Rudy Gobert says he’ll keep “dominating offensively” in his own style after Minnesota’s 117-94 loss to Toronto. He posted 8 points, 13 rebounds and highlighted his impact through screens, offensive boards and spacing rather than traditional post scoring. Gobert is averaging 9.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and a 71.4% field‑goal rate, while entering his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. The Timberwolves start 3‑0 and aim to become a ‘superteam’ alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga and Jaden McDaniels as they head to Cleveland on Oct. 27.
Anthony Edwards powers the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26, 2026, snapping a close first half with a dominant 35-15 third‑quarter run. Edwards tallies 26 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting, while the Wolves shoot 56% overall and 48% from three, improving to 3‑0 and tying Oklahoma City atop the Northwest Division. Toronto’s Ja’Kobe Walter leads the Raptors with 22 points, but the team struggles, shooting just 38% from the field and committing 17 turnovers. Key contributions also come from LaMelo Ball (15 pts, 8 ast) and Rudy Gobert (13 reb).
Amid all the talk about the Timberwolves' dynamic new offense, their defense has been equally important to their early-season success.
LaMelo Ball dazzles in his Timberwolves debut, scoring 15 points with eight assists despite early foul trouble, helping Minnesota clinch a third straight win. The trade that sent Naz Reid to Toronto sparks debate, but Ball’s 33‑point surge in just 16:44 on the floor fuels excitement. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert asserts his unchanged role as a dominant shot‑blocker in his 14th season, Luka Dončić blows out the Jazz with 52 points, exposing Utah’s defensive woes, and the Trail Blazers showcase depth with seven players in double figures against Sacramento.
LaMelo Ball’s move to the Minnesota Timberwolves has instantly reshaped the NBA landscape. In the Wolves’ 3‑0 start, they’ve won each game by over 20 points—including a 117‑94 victory over Toronto—making them only the third team ever to open a season with three 20‑plus‑point wins. Ball leads the league in plus‑minus, posting 16.0 points, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 42.3% from three in just 17‑minute outings. His playmaking, combined with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, puts Minnesota on a surprising postseason and even Finals‑talk track.