The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their impressive run in the Western Conference, overpowering the Houston Rockets 122-95 on Friday night. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Despite a relatively quiet game for Edwards, who had been averaging 36.3 points in his previous four games, the Timberwolves showcased their strength and depth. Towns emphasized the team’s focus on tenacity and physicality in making it difficult for their opponents.
Jalen Green topped the scoring for the Rockets with 20 points. Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 and 16 points, respectively. However, the Rockets struggled to match Minnesota’s intensity and physicality, as noted by Rockets coach Ime Udoka. “I think they bullied us,” Udoka said, pointing out the team’s need for more competitiveness and toughness.
Houston’s struggle against Minnesota was evident in the game’s statistics. The Rockets, who are 2-4 on a seven-game homestand, were outscored 60-46 in the paint and outrebounded 51-39. The loss marks Houston’s eighth in the last nine meetings with the Timberwolves.
Edwards commented on the team’s performance, stating, “Everybody played great tonight, everybody was happy. It was a great overall team win so it was dope.”
The Timberwolves, improving their record to 25-9, dominated the game, leading by as much as 33 points and entering the fourth quarter with a significant lead. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised his team’s defense, emphasizing their attention to detail and disruptive play.
The Rockets, missing forward Dillon Brooks due to a strained right abdominal oblique, struggled to find their rhythm and briefly led in the first quarter but trailed for most of the game.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face Dallas on Sunday night, while the Rockets host Milwaukee.
This victory not only solidifies the Timberwolves’ position at the top of the Western Conference but also demonstrates their ability to maintain consistency and dominance as the season progresses.
