The Timberwolves opened their preseason schedule unusually early Friday in Los Angeles after just three training camp practices. But the lack of preparation didn’t appear to impair results.

Wolves coach Chris Finch improved to 13-2 for his career in preseason play, as Minnesota downed the Lakers 124-107.

The Timberwolves didn’t play Julius Randle or Anthony Edwards in the exhibition opener, while the Lakers were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But a number of regulars did play at least a half for both sides, while younger players also received ample court time.

Here are a few takeaways from the Timberwolves’ preseason victory:

This offense has serious potential: Minnesota scored 1.44 points per possession in the first quarter on Friday, a staggering offensive explosion. Donte DiVincenzo went 3 for 3 from deep, which helps the cause, but the way in which the Wolves used the sharpshooter as a movement shooter in a set with Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert provided a sneak peek into potential actions the Wolves can rely on this season.

DiVincenzo also executed a pick and roll with Gobert,  which resulted in a kickout to Jaden McDaniels for an open spot-up triple. Conley was able to play more off ball. DiVincenzo’s presence supplies more shooting and shot creation. That led to more success playing in the flow of the offense, and should also allow Finch to open up the play book to portions that have been locked shut over the past couple of seasons due to personnel limitations.

Pair all of that with their high level of talent, and the Wolves may have the potential to be a top-five offense this season.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker looks more like a floor general: Alexander-Walker seems to have a firm sense that, following the acquisition of DiVincenzo,  the bulk of his minutes this season could come as backup point guard. He has spoken multiple times already in camp about his desire to alleviate pressure off Conley, and how he’s viewing the game through the lens of a floor general.

He put actions behind his words in the Lakers game, dishing out four assists while taking some command of the offense while he was on the floor and attempting to find teammates in good spots.

Josh Minott looks for real: The drum beat for the last month-plus has centered on Minott’s offseason transformation after a quiet first couple of seasons as a pro. But you can’t put too much trust in summer hype. Leaps need to be examined under the lights to be believed.

In his first chance to put his progression on display, Minott delivered. Not only did his jumper look smooth — the 21-year-old was 4 for 6 on three-point shots — but he grabbed eight rebounds and often looked like the best player on the court while still delivering a couple of the wowing dunks that have long served as the basis for intrigue.

Minnesota is deep: Minott’s potential ascension may reach a ceiling this season, simply because there are only so many minutes to go around. The top eight of Randle, Edwards, Conley, McDaniels, DiVincenzo, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Alexander-Walker is pretty well cemented. There will only be a few consistent minutes available outside of them when the team is healthy. But Minott, Terrence Shannon Jr., Luka Garza and Rob Dillingham all look like rotation-quality players right now, as obviously is the case for veteran wing Joe Ingles.

That’s a great problem for Finch to have, as injuries aren’t likely to deter this train.

Dillingham in a good spot: Dillingham shined offensively at various points Friday, flashing his quickness while also hitting three three-pointers. But the 19-year-old guard was exposed a few times defensively and did at times have troubles finishing around the rim.

He is clearly a promising prospect with bright days ahead. But the fact Minnesota shouldn’t have to lean heavily on him this season as it attempts to contend for a championship is a blessing for the Wolves. On the flip side, the Wolves know they have guys like Minott, Shannon and Dillingham waiting in the wings, whether they’re needed this year, or in future seasons as difficult salary cap decisions are made.

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