The Minnesota Timberwolves staged a dramatic comeback to edge the Houston Rockets 113-112 on Friday night, led by standout performances from Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards, and Donte DiVincenzo.
Edwards capped a 10-0 late-game run with a decisive step-back three-pointer, giving Minnesota their first lead since the third quarter. The Timberwolves erased a 12-point deficit in the final minutes, handing the Rockets their first loss in five games.
Randle paced Minnesota with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Edwards contributed 24 points, including 11 in the final stretch. DiVincenzo provided a significant boost off the bench, knocking down six triples en route to 22 points.
The Timberwolves’ resilience overshadowed a dominant performance by Houston’s Alperen Sengun. The Rockets’ center delivered a season-high 38 points and 12 rebounds but struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 6 of 10 attempts in crucial moments.
Fred VanVleet missed a potential game-winning three-pointer for Houston in the final seconds, sealing their narrow defeat. VanVleet finished with 18 points and seven assists, while Amen Thompson added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets.
Minnesota found themselves trailing throughout the game, largely due to being outscored 66-40 in the paint. However, their three-point shooting made up for the deficit, as the Timberwolves connected on 21 of 43 attempts from deep, including clutch shots in the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves entered the final three minutes down 110-98 but sparked a rally with timely defense and sharp shooting. Edwards’ three-point play cut the lead to 110-108, and Randle’s dunk brought them within one. Edwards’ late three-pointer then flipped the momentum for good.
Minnesota’s bench also played a critical role, with Naz Reid adding 14 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipping in 11. Their contributions helped secure the Timberwolves’ second straight win after a three-game skid.
For Houston, the absence of Dillon Brooks was notable, as the team missed his defensive presence during Minnesota’s late-game surge. Brooks sat out his third consecutive game with a sore right ankle.
The Rockets shot 48.9% from the field and outrebounded Minnesota 48-39 but were undone by 10 missed free throws and 14 turnovers.
The Timberwolves now sit at 16-14 on the season, while the Rockets drop to 21-10.
