MINNEAPOLIS - Trey Lyles keeps showing up in the spots Minnesota needs him most, and the Timberwolves have noticed.
After another productive night off the bench in Monday’s win over Milwaukee, the veteran forward drew praise from teammates and coaches for the way he smooths out the rough edges of the rotation. Lyles played 21 minutes, scored 12 points, hit two shots from beyond the arc and finished plus-4.
LaMelo Ball, who had a breakout scoring night of his own with 34 points in 33 minutes, made it clear how much he values what Lyles brings.
“I love Trey,” said Ball. “He knows how to play basketball.
I tell him every day, ‘You one of one, you know how to play basketball.’ Whenever you got that on the floor, it really makes it easier.”
Asked Trey Lyles about the experience of having a significant role on this Minnesota team after not having been in the league last season.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) November 3, 2026
"This is a different level. But it's awesome to be a part of a team that is striving to win the championship and being a big part of that.… pic.twitter.com/OPMuKPcufB
Ayo Dosunmu pointed to the same qualities: experience, timing and versatility.
“He’s just a veteran in this league,” said guard Ayo Dosunmu. “Him being out there, he understands what’s needed at what time.
His offensive rebounding, and combine that with his ability to stretch the floor, has been great for us. He gave us a big spark, hit a big three, big turnaround jump shot.
I think that’s something that you need.”
That’s been the story with Lyles, whose value has come less from flash than from fit. The 30-year-old forward has leaned on his basketball IQ, off-ball movement and efficient scoring to plug holes wherever Minnesota needs them. Through his first 134 minutes, he’s posted a 60.7 true shooting percentage, the best mark on the team according to Databallr.
“It's been great,” said Lyles after Monday’s win over the Bucks. “I had a big role last year.
Obviously, wasn't here, but this is a different level. It's awesome to be part of a team that is striving to win the championship and being a big part of that.
And kind of being one of the older guys and just talking to guys and stuff like that. So it's been cool.
… I've been having a good time with my teammates. It’s been fun.”
With Anthony Edwards out injured, Lyles figures to keep getting real minutes. Minnesota has used him as a backup forward and as a small-ball center, a look coach Chris Finch has been willing to lean on when the team needs a lift.
Finch said after last week’s game against the Warriors that the lineup with Lyles at center helped Minnesota switch everything and stay connected defensively.
“That group, you know, gave us a chance to switch everything, and, just kind of keep a body in front of a body - that was key there,” said Finch. “What I like about Trey is just a great, smart player.
You know, makes things happen out there, is a really good help defender. Offensively, not only stretches the floor, but he's a good, like, next-action facilitator - really understands how to play basketball.”
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