Anthony Edwards erupted for 36 points, including 16 in the third quarter, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Utah Jazz 138-113 on Thursday. The victory marked Minnesota’s fifth straight win and their second in as many nights.
Edwards, named an All-Star reserve earlier in the day, also dished out 11 assists to lead the Timberwolves (27-21). His efforts fueled a dominant 44-22 third-quarter run that put Minnesota in complete control.
The Timberwolves shot a season-high 61.3% from the field, easily surpassing their previous best of 56.6% set in a January loss to Memphis. They also recorded 38 assists, matching their season high from a recent game against Denver.
Despite missing starting point guard Mike Conley due to a thumb injury, Minnesota’s offense operated smoothly. Their ball movement kept Utah’s defense off balance, creating open looks throughout the game.
Rob Dillingham provided a spark off the bench with a career-high 19 points, while Rudy Gobert and Luka Garza each contributed 16. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 15 points, hitting five three-pointers.
After the Jazz (10-36) briefly closed the gap in the fourth quarter, Edwards quickly shut the door with three three-pointers in a span of 1:25. His shooting display extended Minnesota’s lead to 125-97 with just over four minutes remaining.
Utah’s Keyonte George, who recently moved to the bench, led the team with 23 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night. Collin Sexton scored 19 points, while John Collins and Jordan Clarkson each had 16.
Lauri Markkanen, back in the lineup alongside Utah’s other key veterans, finished with 15 points. His three-pointer gave the Jazz an early 25-10 lead, but their offense stalled for much of the game.
Minnesota’s defense tightened after the first quarter, holding Utah to just 22 points in both the second and third quarters. The Timberwolves controlled the glass and forced 15 turnovers, turning them into easy transition points.
Naz Reid provided valuable minutes off the bench, scoring 12 points and grabbing four rebounds. Jaylen Clark and Leonard Miller also contributed, helping Minnesota’s reserves outscore Utah’s bench 51-50.
