Image Source: Bleacher Report
LaMelo Ball is enjoying the early results of his move to Minnesota, and his confident personality was on full display after the Timberwolves improved to 3-0 with a commanding 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Ball offered a memorable assessment of his mindset. “I feel like I’m always feeling myself,” he said, as reported by The Athletic. “As long as we winning, I’m feeling myself more.”
LaMelo Ball Helps Fuel a Stunning 3-0 Start
The Timberwolves have opened the 2026-27 NBA season in emphatic fashion. Each of their first three victories has come by at least 20 points, giving Minnesota one of the league’s most impressive early records and margins of victory.
Minnesota has scored at least 115 points in every game while holding two opponents below 95 points. That combination has allowed the Timberwolves to control games from the opening tip, turning their strong defensive identity into fast, efficient offense.
The team’s start is especially notable because Ball was added during a busy offseason. Minnesota already had a powerful defensive foundation, but the former Charlotte Hornets star brings creativity, ballhandling and improvisational playmaking to the lineup.
Explosive Chemistry with Anthony Edwards
Through three games, Ball is averaging 16 points and 6.3 assists per game. Those numbers place him in a complementary role alongside Anthony Edwards, who is averaging an outstanding 28.7 points per contest.
Edwards remains the primary scoring engine, but Ball has quickly shown that he can make the game easier for Minnesota’s leading star. His passing creates additional opportunities in transition, while his willingness to attack defenses prevents opponents from focusing exclusively on Edwards.
According to NBA.com’s lineup statistics, the Timberwolves have posted a remarkable plus-52.4 net rating when Ball and Edwards share the floor. It is an extremely small sample, but the early figure reflects how dominant Minnesota has looked with its two most dynamic perimeter players operating together.
- Timberwolves record: 3-0
- LaMelo Ball: 16 points and 6.3 assists per game
- Anthony Edwards: 28.7 points per game
- Shared-court net rating: Plus-52.4
- Team scoring: At least 115 points in every game
Why Minnesota’s Fast Start Matters
There were natural questions about how quickly the new-look Timberwolves would come together. Integrating a high-volume creator such as Ball into an established team can take time, particularly when another explosive guard already carries a major offensive workload.
So far, those concerns have disappeared. Ball has not needed to dominate the ball to make an impact, and Edwards has continued to produce at an elite level. The pairing has given Minnesota a more versatile attack without sacrificing the defensive intensity that made the team dangerous in the first place.
The Timberwolves’ depth has also helped. Their offense has consistently generated pressure, while their defense has limited opponents’ clean looks and second-chance opportunities. That balance has allowed Minnesota to build leads quickly and protect them comfortably.
Still, the team understands that a three-game sample cannot define an entire season. The Western Conference is filled with talented contenders, and tougher tests will eventually challenge Minnesota’s chemistry, depth and late-game execution.
A Confident Message for the Western Conference
For now, Ball’s quote captures the mood surrounding the Timberwolves. He appears comfortable, Edwards is producing at a superstar level, and the team has looked prepared rather than tentative.
That confidence could become an important ingredient as the schedule becomes more difficult. Minnesota is not simply winning close games; it is overwhelming opponents on both ends of the court. If Ball continues to create open looks and maintain efficient decision-making, the Timberwolves may have found the offensive spark needed to become a serious Western Conference contender.
The early evidence is encouraging, even if it remains too soon for definitive predictions. Minnesota has started with energy, precision and swagger. Ball’s personality fits that momentum perfectly, and his partnership with Edwards is already one of the most intriguing developments of the young NBA season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Timberwolves’ record to start the season?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 3-0 after defeating the Toronto Raptors 117-94 on Sunday.
What did LaMelo Ball say after the win?
Ball said, “I feel like I’m always feeling myself,” before adding that winning makes him feel himself even more.
How is LaMelo Ball performing in Minnesota?
Ball is averaging 16 points and 6.3 assists per game through the Timberwolves’ first three contests.
How well are Ball and Anthony Edwards playing together?
The pair has produced a plus-52.4 net rating when sharing the floor, according to NBA.com lineup statistics.
Are the Timberwolves considered Western Conference contenders?
The season is still very young, but Minnesota’s dominant 3-0 start and two-way performance suggest the team could be a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
