Wolves Keep Rolling: Defense Sets the Tone as Wolves Sends Jazz Home Empty-Handed

Minneapolis, 11.8.26- There was a moment in the third quarter when Target Center came alive.

LaMelo Ball jumped a passing lane near midcourt, exploded toward the rim, and finished with an uncontested dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. The play wasn't just two points. It felt like a declaration. These Timberwolves are finding an identity.

Without Anthony Edwards available, Minnesota once again leaned on its depth, defense, and collective confidence, defeating the Utah Jazz 115-100 and extending its winning streak to four games. The victory pushed the Wolves to 8-3 overall and 5-2 without Edwards, a stretch that continues to surprise anyone who believed Minnesota would stumble after losing its biggest star. turn452search4

Defense Creates Offense

The score may suggest a comfortable win, but this game was competitive early.

Utah hung around throughout the first half and entered the third quarter within striking distance. Then Minnesota's defense turned the screws.

The Wolves forced mistakes, jumped passing lanes, and consistently disrupted Utah's offensive rhythm. By the time the third quarter ended, Minnesota had built an 18-point advantage fueled by transition baskets and active hands defensively. The Jazz opened the fourth quarter, missing their first nine shots and went nearly four minutes without scoring. Eso fue el golpe decisivo.

The Wolves finished with eight steals, controlled the glass 45-37, and held Utah under 43 percent shooting for the game. turn452search6

Ayo Dosunmu Continues to Shine

The biggest star of the night wore No. 13.

Ayo Dosunmu delivered his best performance of the season, attacking the basket with confidence and knocking down perimeter shots when Utah dared him to shoot.

Dosunmu Stats

• 26 Points
• 4 Rebounds
• 4-of-5 from Three
• Perfect 8-for-8 Free Throws
• 2 Steals turn452search6

Every time Utah threatened to make a run, Dosunmu had an answer.

LaMelo Contiues Running the Show

If Dosunmu supplied the buckets, LaMelo Ball supplied the flair.

Ball finished with:

• 24 Points
• 5 Assists
• 4 Three-Pointers
• 2 Steals turn452search6

More importantly, he controlled tempo. His decision-making has become increasingly polished during this winning streak, allowing Minnesota to play fast without losing discipline.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

The Wolves once again received contributions throughout the lineup.

Jaden McDaniels

• 16 Points
• 6 Rebounds
• 3 Assists
• Strong perimeter defense turn452search6

Rudy Gobert

• 10 Points
• 15 Rebounds
• Double-double
• Interior presence throughout the game

Bones Hyland

• 14 Points off the bench
• Sparked a decisive third-quarter run with  quick scoring bursts

Looking Back: Previous Two Wins

Minnesota arrived carrying momentum.

Before Utah, the Wolves knocked off Houston 117-107 behind clutch fourth-quarter performances from Dosunmu, Kuminga, and Ball. Prior to that, Minnesota dominated Miami, showcasing its offensive firepower despite Edwards' absence. Together, those victories helped create a growing sense that this roster is deeper than many expected.

Muchos pensaban que la temporada cambiaría sin Ant. Este grupo tiene otras ideas.

Edwards Update

Anthony Edwards stays sidelined while recovering from knee surgery and is still expected to miss significant time. The encouraging development is Minnesota's ability to continue winning without rushing him back. If this supporting cast continues developing confidence, Edwards may return to a team that is more complete than the one he left. 

Jazz Standouts

Utah continues to find bright spots despite its losng streak. Rookie Darryn Peterson impressed with 26 points and six rebounds, showing elite scoring instincts. Keyonte George added 19 points and eight assists, while Jaxson Hayes scored 18 on efficient finishing around the rim. Their young core remains promising.

Coach's Reaction

Following the game, Chris Finch praised the group's discipline, ball movement, and defensive effort. More importantly, he highlighted the team's growing confidence and willingness to trust one another offensively when opponents focus on taking away primary options.

VyD Prediction: Dallas Next

The upcoming matchup against Dallas will present a tougher challenge. The Mavericks have more scoring firepower and experience than Utah. Still, if Ball continues orchestrating the offense and Minnesota brings the same defensive intensity, expect another tight battle at Target Center.

VyD Prediction: Timberwolves 118, Mavericks 112.

Right now, the Wolves aren't surviving without Edwards.

They're growing.

And that's a scary thought for the rest of the Western Conference.