LaMelo Ball has been boom or bust so far with the Timberwolves.
Through seven games, including three without his backcourt running mate Anthony Edwards, Ball is averaging an underwhelming 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. More concerning are the 3.7 turnovers and 4.3 fouls he’s averaging per game.
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Ball’s two worst performances came in Minnesota’s last two losses. Against the Warriors last week, on the same day Edwards was ruled out for roughly two months with a knee injury, Ball had eight points, six turnovers and five fouls.
He responded with a boom, scoring 24 points with seven assists (and only three fouls and two turnovers) in a win over the Clippers. But then he busted in San Antonio by fouling out with 10 points and five turnovers in only 20 minutes.
However, anyone who watched the Wolves-Spurs game knows Ball got an unfair whistle.
“You seen all the fouls I had? You think I had six?” Ball said Friday night. “Just gotta be smarter, though.”
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Ball’s first foul was bogus, as he bumped into Victor Wembanyama after a basket, causing both players to stumble on their way back down the court. Ball said afterward that he was trying to help Wemby up to his feet.
The second foul was called when Ball gave Wemby the slightest bump as he went up for a lob pass. Questionable for sure. The third foul was fair because Ball didn’t give Julian Champagnie room to land on a three-point attempt. The fourth foul was called when Ball put his left hand on Keldon Johnson’s shoulder while competing for a rebound. Again, very questionable. Foul No. 5 was a phantom call in which Ball didn’t touch Devin Vassell on a baseline jumper. His sixth foul was for using his left arm to fend off Wemby, unfortunately hitting Wemby in the neck. Fair enough, but a bit soft.
Kyle Ingram captured all six in one video and posted it on X. You be the judge:
