MINNEAPOLIS — Since being inserted into the starting lineup in the wake of superstar Anthony Edwards’ knee injury, guard Ayo Dosunmu’s scoring production has increased significantly.

“I mean, I think it's always been in there,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who was asked about the University of Illinois product’s scoring increase after he went for 26 points in a win over the Jazz on Sunday night. “I think a lot of his game is the same. … It's not like he's necessarily had to go and search for something to up his production. I think a lot of it is also related to just the shots that we've been able to generate. Like I said earlier, pretty high quality, so he's making a lot of big shots too, big timely shots, and they feel open and in the rhythm of the offense.”

In 7 games since taking on new scoring responsibility, the Chicago native is averaging 21.6 points per game and shooting 47 percent from beyond the arc on 36 long-range attempts. He’s been extremely efficient all season, sporting a 62.5 true shooting percentage which ranks in the 88th percentile league-wide, per Databallr. What has stood out in conjunction with his shooting efficiency has been decisiveness with the ball in his hands, as both a shot-creator and facilitator.

“Yeah, that's pretty much how I was introduced to the game of basketball, always quick reads, make quick decisions — .5 decisions,” said Dosunmu. “That's just my mindset, as I was able to, you know, continue my professional career in the NBA. … But always, you know, had a mindset of making quick decisions, being efficient, being efficient in my moves, and my shot, and my steps, and my approach to the game, and the rest of my job.”

Article Continues Below

Dosunmu has always been a relatively efficient shooter throughout his professional career, though his aforementioned 62.5 true shooting percentage would rank as his second-most efficient season in that category, per Databallr. A lot of that can be attributed to his increased downhill attack to the rim. He’s taking an average of 6 shots per game within five feet of the rim, per NBA Stats. Dosunmu acknowledged his uptick in opportunities at the rim and credited Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and his prowess as a screener as a big reason why.

“Definitely more freedom, more opportunity, just the minutes that I’ve been blessed to play with, but also just the way we play, and Rudy (Gobert), I give a lot of credit to him,” said Dosunmu. “I tell people all the time he’s the best screener in the NBA. His ability to set screens and create shots, not just for me getting downhill but … if you’re just watching with the naked eye, you don’t understand how important that is. But when you go against someone like Rudy, who sets screens, and when you’re a guard like me who navigates it, you understand that it’s important to have someone who really sets a screen.”