Minnesota woke up 1-0 and seventh in the West, and the loudest echo from Miami was a whistle nobody blew. ESPN and The Athletic both reported that the referees' union confirmed LaMelo Ball traveled on his viral step-back 3 in the 131-106 win.
A Ruling After the Fact
The admission changes nothing in the standings. The Wolves keep the win, and Edwards keeps his 45. What it adds is attention on Ball's footwork as he plays his second game in a Minnesota uniform. The club also slid from fifth to seventh in the West over the past day without taking the floor, which says more about a crowded 1-0 field than about this team.
Orlando, Thinned Out
Tonight is at Orlando, where Sean Sweeney's Magic are 0-1. Anthony Black, Izaiyah Nelson, Jonathan Isaac and Noah Penda are all ruled out. Losing Black removes a guard who gave Orlando 15.0 points in 29.8 minutes a night last season. Paolo Banchero, at 22.2 points, and Desmond Bane, at 20.1, remain the problem to solve. Each side has had a single day off. For Minnesota this is a third straight road game, with the Raptors at Target Center on October 25 and a trip to Cleveland the next night. Donte DiVincenzo is still out and not expected back until April 2, 2027.
The Number, the Question
The number is 112.5, the points per 100 possessions Minnesota allowed last season, eighth in the league. Orlando scored 114.2 per 100 a year ago, and without Black it has fewer ways to get there. The open question sits off the floor. RealGM reported that Dalton Knecht is drawing interest from the Knicks and the Wolves. With payroll at $215.3 million, above the first apron and well past the $200.4 million tax line, any addition comes with real constraints.
When do the Timberwolves play the Magic?
Tonight, October 23, in Orlando. It is Minnesota's second regular-season game after the 131-106 win at Miami.
Was LaMelo Ball's 3-pointer against the Heat a travel?
Yes. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the referees' union confirmed it was a travel, and the result of the game is unaffected.
