The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 100-92 victory over the short-handed Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, improving to 25-21 on the season. Despite DeAndre Hunter’s career-high 35 points, Atlanta fell to 22-24, struggling without key starters Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson due to injuries.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 23 points, while Julius Randle contributed 20 and Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves built a commanding 17-point halftime lead but saw their advantage dwindle as Hunter and the Hawks closed the gap in the third quarter.
Minnesota’s struggles in the third frame were evident, with the team committing nine turnovers and managing just five field goals. Hunter capitalized on the Timberwolves’ lapses, scoring efficiently and keeping Atlanta within reach.
Hunter stepped up in Young’s absence, registering his 17th game of 20-plus points this season, the most among all NBA reserves. Keaton Wallace added 13 points and Clint Capela grabbed 15 rebounds for Atlanta.
Minnesota’s defense, ranked among the league’s best, proved pivotal in closing out the game. Key plays from Edwards and Gobert helped the Timberwolves hold the Hawks to just 18 points in the fourth quarter. Naz Reid provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s nine rebounds and strong defense added depth.
Despite the win, Minnesota faced setbacks, with reserve guard Alexander-Walker exiting late in the fourth quarter due to a leg injury. The Timberwolves, fresh off a dominant 133-104 victory over Denver on Saturday, will need to maintain their focus and health as they navigate a challenging season.
Atlanta, now 22-24, missed the production of Young, Daniels, and Johnson, who collectively account for 42% of the team’s scoring. The absence of the league’s assist leader, along with two key contributors, left Hunter with a heightened role. The forward delivered an impressive performance but received limited support from the rest of the roster, as the Hawks shot just 39.5% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc.
