Anthony Edwards shined with 32 points, 22 of which came in a third-quarter explosion, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a decisive 111-90 victory over the Houston Rockets during Sunday’s NBA action.
Edwards, recently named to his second All-Star game, rebounded from a slow start where he managed only six points in the first half to dominate the third quarter, shooting 9-12 from the field, including 4-5 from beyond the arc, single-handedly outscoring the Rockets in that period.
Rudy Gobert contributed a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, and his defensive presence was felt with four of Minnesota’s 11 blocks, tying a season-high for the team. Karl-Anthony Towns, also an All-Star, added 14 points and 10 rebounds to the effort.
“I love when he’s attacking the rim, putting a lot of pressure, drawing fouls and then, I think, once he does that, it opens up his 3-point shot,” Gobert said of Edwards. “I thought he did a great job just shooting the 3s instead of shooting the 2s.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
Alperen Sengun stood out for the Rockets with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and rookie Cam Whitmore scored 14 points in the second half. However, the team struggled offensively, shooting 35.2% from the field. Jalen Green expressed frustration with the team’s lack of rhythm and difficulty playing against Minnesota’s set defense.
“No rhythm out there, there’s no flow,” Green said. “Offense is just all set, and it’s a big team. It’s hard to play against a set defense. I don’t know. There’s no rhythm.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
The game was a defensive battle in the first half, reflecting both teams’ season averages in points allowed. Despite the Timberwolves’ tendency to turn the ball over, they kept their composure in the first quarter without any turnovers, though they stumbled in the second quarter, allowing the Rockets to score 13 points off their nine turnovers.
With Rockets players like Sengun, Dillon Brooks, and Jabari Smith Jr. facing foul trouble, Edwards seized the opportunity in the third quarter, leading a 16-2 run that put the Timberwolves firmly in control and setting the stage for their commanding win.
“I couldn’t hit,” Edwards said of the first half. “My two 3-pointers were in and out. My midrange went in and out. In and out layup. Free throws. I was just off.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, while the Timberwolves are set to begin a five-game road trip starting with the Chicago Bulls on the same night.
