MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Timberwolves achieved a dramatic 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, highlighted by a go-ahead jumper from Julius Randle with just 8.8 seconds remaining in overtime.
The Timberwolves completed an impressive 15-0 run to secure the win, overcoming a 13-point deficit in overtime, marking the largest comeback in overtime since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1997.
Key Performances
Julius Randle scored all of his 24 points in the second half, while Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun each contributed 30 points for the Rockets. Durant, however, struggled initially, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 2 for 11 before halftime.
In a tense final moment, Randle was called for a foul on Durant’s drive with only 3.3 seconds left. Although Durant missed his first free throw, he attempted to miss the second intentionally to regain possession, but the Rockets could not secure a final shot.
Injury Impact on Timberwolves
Jaden McDaniels added 25 points to the Timberwolves’ tally before leaving the game due to an apparent leg injury. Minnesota faced significant challenges as they played without their star player, Anthony Edwards, and had key players like Naz Reid ejected and Rudy Gobert fouled out.
The Timberwolves, now holding a 10-5 record this season without Edwards, saw five of their top seven players unavailable by the end of the game.
Playoff Standings
Gobert recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Reid contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds. With this win, the Timberwolves improved to a record of 45-28, remaining a half-game behind the fourth-place Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings, while the Rockets are currently in sixth place with a 43-29 record.
Upcoming Matches
The Timberwolves are set to host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, while the Rockets will visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between the Timberwolves and Rockets, with the Rockets having won the first game on January 16.
Both teams have a challenging schedule ahead, with the Timberwolves needing to navigate six of their final eight games on the road, while the Rockets will play six of their last eight at home.
Durant’s Career Milestone
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant achieved a career milestone during the game, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki to move into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time regular season baskets made list, now totaling 11,177.