Ayo Dosunmu has been a picture-perfect fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves since arriving at the trade deadline. Whether it’s perimeter defense, rim pressure, 3-point shooting, or playmaking, Ayo fills in so many gaps for the Wolves. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Ayo is the team’s best point guard and long-term solution at the position.

As more of a combo guard, who fans (understandably) referred to as Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s replacement, this wasn’t exactly a given. For a Wolves team that has been searching for a point guard and lead facilitator, though, this is a welcome development.

Monday’s game was yet another amazing game for Ayo, and it was easily the best he looked as a playmaker. Overall, he racked up 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists en route to a 124-94 win. During Edwards’ absence, we got to see what Ayo looks like as a lead playmaker; he averaged 5.5 assists (and just 1.8 turnovers) in this stretch.

For this exciting trend to continue in Edwards’ first game back is an incredibly promising sign. Having Dosunmu run the show makes the Wolves’ offense a bit less predictable and gives them some much-needed stability in the backcourt.

Ayo Dosunmu is clearly best utilized in a point guard role

While Ayo’s 3-point shooting and defense are both immensely valuable, the previous version of the Wolves especially lacked the rim pressure and playmaking that he provides.

Frankly, the Wolves’ offense can get stagnant at times, and they’ve needed a player who can serve as a connector while also organizing the offense for others. This perfectly describes Ayo; he isn’t exactly a traditional floor general, but he can set others up at a high rate while being malleable as an off-ball threat.

Ayo serving as the team’s lead playmaker/ball handler not only helps the Wolves’ offense have more ball movement and flow, but it also benefits Ant. Before Edwards and Julius Randle were overtaxed as ball handlers, it was easier for defenses to zero in on them. Now, though, Ant gets easier looks and isn’t playing out of his role as a lead facilitator.

When Jaden McDaniels returns to the floor after his knee injury, the Wolves might have a tough decision to make between starting Ayo or Donte DiVincenzo. My guess is that DiVincenzo will remain in the starting lineup due to his experience with the team. Nevertheless, I’d also expect Ayo to close in many games, which in some ways is more important.

The Wolves will need his blend of shot creation and playmaking down the stretch of games. DiVincenzo is a great role player, but this isn’t his specialty. And hey, if both players have a good night, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Wolves going small with Ayo, Ant, and Donte to close games. It’s worth noting that this trio has an absurd plus-25.2 net rating.

Regardless, Dosunmu’s playmaking is proving to be one of the most crucial parts of his impact, and the Wolves must continue to lean into him being a lead playmaker.