TITLE: Edwards’ clutch three propels Timberwolves past Thunder 112-107
SLUG: edwards-clutch-three-timberwolves-past-thunder
CONTENT:
MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards came back from a three-game injury layoff to post 26 points and 12 rebounds, drilling the decisive three-pointer with 38.5 seconds left as the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 on Friday night.
Edwards, who has been dealing with soreness in his right foot, also secured a key defensive rebound and stole the ball from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the closing seconds to seal the win at Target Center.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder (25-3) with 35 points and seven assists. Oklahoma City, the defending NBA champion, has now dropped two of its last three after opening the season 24-1.
Julius Randle finished with 19 points despite shooting 3-for-15. His split trip to the free-throw line with 53 seconds to play left Minnesota down two, setting up Edwards’ go-ahead shot on the next possession.
Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid each supplied 15 points, and Rudy Gobert grabbed 14 rebounds for Minnesota (18-10). The Timberwolves were eliminated by Oklahoma City in five games in last spring’s Western Conference finals.
The matchup, televised nationally at the start of the holiday break, drew an energized crowd and saw Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch ejected midway through the first quarter after vehemently protesting a series of non-calls.
Shooting was difficult on both ends during the first half; Minnesota hit 34% from the field while Oklahoma City managed 39%. The Timberwolves went 33-for-47 at the free-throw line, a season-high in attempts.
Source: ESPN
