What happened: Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball open 2026-27 slated together in the same backcourt. Edwards buried a logo shot at the buzzer off a Ball assist to fuel the case.

Why it matters: Two primary ballhandlers with deep range raise the ceiling for late-clock offense. Camp tone around the pairing has tilted toward optimism entering the preseason.

What to watch: Preseason reps and the Oct. 20 tip-off slate will test the fit against live defense.