Edwards on fire with 41 points for Minnesota 121-109 win vs Portland

On Tuesday night, Anthony Edwards showcased an impressive performance, contributing 41 points on 16-of-27 shooting to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 121-109 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers on their home court. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also made a significant impact, scoring 18 points off the bench, hitting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Minnesota improved to a 3-1 record on their current five-game road trip.

Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 13 points for the TimberWolves. This marked the second-highest scoring output of the season for Edwards, who previously scored 44 points against the Dallas Mavericks on December 28.

For the Portland Trail Blazers, Deandre Ayton contributed 22 points on an efficient 11-of-12 shooting and grabbed 16 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers suffered their fifth consecutive loss. Anfernee Simons scored 20 points, Dalano Banton added 16, Scoot Henderson had 14 points and nine assists, Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant each scored 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Both teams are set to face each other again on Thursday in Portland, marking the final contest for both squads before the All-Star break.

Minnesota shot 46.4 percent from the field, including 13 of 33 from beyond the arc. In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves outscored Portland 37-26. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers made 44.8 percent of their attempts, going 11-of-29 from 3-point range.

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Edwards dominated the first half, scoring 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, giving the Timberwolves a 59-51 lead at halftime. A 10-2 burst in the third quarter, capped by a 3-pointer from Edwards, extended Minnesota’s lead to 72-62. However, the Trail Blazers responded with an 11-1 run, tying the score at 73 with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter.

Minnesota regained control, leading by five points before a late 3-pointer from Duop Reath brought Portland within one point (84-83) entering the final quarter. Henderson’s successful free throws early in the fourth quarter gave the Trail Blazers a brief lead, but Alexander-Walker’s three consecutive treys during a 20-4 run secured a comfortable 104-90 advantage for the Timberwolves with 6:33 remaining.

A steal by Edwards from Henderson, followed by a dunk, further solidified Minnesota’s lead. Edwards continued to impress, banking in a runner to make it 111-92 with 4:42 left, ultimately securing a decisive victory for the Timberwolves.