The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off an impressive comeback in Monday’s 112-108 victory against the Miami Heat, improving to an NBA-best 20-5 record, while the Heat dropped to 15-12.
Karl-Anthony Towns was already in foul trouble, and coach Chris Finch already had a technical foul. However, the Timberwolves showcased why their defense is a critical component of their success in the second half of the game. Anthony Edwards scored 32 points, supported by Towns’ 18 points, while the defense contained the Heat to 42 points after the break.
Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves center, highlighted the team’s resilience and defensive focus, which he believes is essential for their victories. Additional contributions came from Naz Reid with 15 points, Mike Conley with 12, and Gobert himself pulling down 16 rebounds.
“It takes for us to get punched in the face to wake up and do the things that we need to do,” Gobert said. “Every time we do the things that we’re supposed to do, especially defensively, we put ourselves in position to win the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat Updates
The game marked a significant return for Heat stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo after being sidelined due to injuries, scoring a combined 47 points. Herro accounted for a team-high 25 points, while Adebayo scored 22. It was a timely contribution considering Jimmy Butler was limited to 15 points. However, Duncan Robinson (14 points) and Josh Richardson (13 points) also scored in double figures.
Despite trailing by as many as 17 points, the Timberwolves’ comeback was notable, marking their seventh win of the season after being down by double digits. Conversely, it was Miami’s seventh loss after leading by a substantial margin.
This victory represents Minnesota’s best start through 25 games in their franchise history, surpassing the 2001-02 team’s 17-8 record. Coach Finch credited his team’s commitment and effort for this achievement.
“It’s all credit to the guys, their willingness to want to make it work,” Finch said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat Updates
The game was a tale of two halves, with Miami holding a 66-54 advantage at the break, thanks largely to Herro’s 17 first-half points. However, Minnesota’s defensive intensity in the third quarter turned the tide, winning the quarter 23-17 and setting the stage for a final push to secure the win.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged Minnesota’s defensive strength, which has been a defining feature of their season so far.
“Look, they’re the No. 1 defensive team in the league for a reason,” Spoelstra said.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face the Philadelphia 87ers on Wednesday, while the Heat will take on the Orlando Magic on the same day.
