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Adjusting to a brand-new backcourt pairing always comes with growing pains, but Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are quickly learning how opposing defenses plan to attack them. Opponents are bringing relentless physical pressure against star guard LaMelo Ball, and Edwards knows Minnesota must adapt fast.
Following a physical 128-106 preseason loss to the Detroit Pistons at Target Center on Wednesday night, Edwards addressed the aggressive defensive game plans targeting his new backcourt partner.
“I mean I like it the physicality, I invite it,” Edwards said regarding Detroit’s defensive intensity. “We just got to figure out ways to get them off of Dips body. Because it seems like every team we play is going to pick him up full, not let him catch the ball, be super physical with him. So we just have to find ways to get him the ball.”
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Anthony Edwards on teams testing the Wolves with physicality like the Pistons did tonight
“I mean I like it the physicality, I invite it. We just got to figure out ways to get them off of Dips(LaMelo Ball) body. Because it seems like every team we play is going to pick him up… pic.twitter.com/RYkIZGaY6I
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) October 15, 2026
Detroit made life uncomfortable for Ball throughout the evening, picking him up full-court and denying easy entry passes. The defensive pressure held Ball to just three points on 1-for-5 shooting across 18 minutes, though he still managed to dish out a team-high six assists. Meanwhile, Edwards paced Minnesota with 20 points, three assists, and two steals in 28 minutes, converting all nine of his free-throw attempts.
The Pistons took complete control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 36-20 and dominating points in the paint 64-30. Big man Jalen Duren led Detroit with 24 points in just 15 minutes of action. Forward Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points for Minnesota off the bench, but Minnesota struggled overall, shooting just 38.2% from the field while committing 20 turnovers.
With head coach Chris Finch integrating Ball into the starting lineup alongside Edwards, unlocking their backcourt chemistry remains a top priority before the regular season tips off. If Minnesota wants its star duo to truly flourish, finding creative ways to relieve full-court pressure from Ball will be crucial.
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