Julius Randle scored 26 points, and Anthony Edwards added 25 as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Detroit Pistons 123-104 on Sunday night in a game marred by a second-quarter altercation.
Minnesota (42-32) overcame an early 16-point deficit and dominated the second half to secure its third win in four games. Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with 19 points and 25 rebounds, helping the Timberwolves impose their physicality.
Detroit (42-33), which entered the game on a three-game winning streak despite missing All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, struggled to recover after losing three players to ejections. Malik Beasley led the Pistons with 27 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 20.
Tensions escalated in the second quarter when Detroit fouled Naz Reid, triggering a skirmish that resulted in ejections for Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Marcus Sasser. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Timberwolves assistant Pablo Prigioni were also tossed.
Despite the chaotic first half, Minnesota found its rhythm after halftime. Edwards ignited the Timberwolves’ comeback with 18 third-quarter points, including four three-pointers.
Randle followed up with a three-pointer of his own to put the Timberwolves ahead 72-69, and they never relinquished control. Minnesota outscored Detroit 38-23 in the third quarter and continued to widen the gap in the final period.
Gobert dominated the glass, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds as the Timberwolves outworked the Pistons inside. Mike Conley contributed 17 points and two three-pointers, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 11 off the bench.
Detroit, playing without key contributors following the ejections, struggled offensively in the second half. Beasley shot 8-for-18 from the field, and Hardaway Jr. finished 5-for-14. The Pistons shot just 35.8% overall, unable to sustain their early momentum.
Minnesota’s defensive effort proved crucial, limiting Detroit to 44 second-half points while controlling the boards with a 59-44 rebounding advantage. The Timberwolves also capitalized on their chances at the free-throw line, converting 23 of 31 attempts.
With the win, Minnesota remains in seventh place in the Western Conference standings, while Detroit, now fifth in the East, missed an opportunity to strengthen its playoff position.
