MINNEAPOLIS — In a spirited NBA matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves emerged victorious over the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 126-112, spearheaded by standout performances from Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid. Edwards contributed 18 points, while Reid led the team’s scoring with an impressive 23 points. The Timberwolves distanced themselves from their opponents with a strong fourth-quarter showing.
Julius Randle, returning for just his second game after being sidelined for 13 games due to a groin strain, added 16 points to the Timberwolves’ effort. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was instrumental off the bench, scoring 20 points. Minnesota began the final quarter with a decisive 25-9 run that solidified their grip on the game.
Philadelphia saw the return of Paul George, who had missed a game due to groin soreness, but was still missing key players Tyrese Maxey, out with a lower back strain, and Joel Embiid, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season to manage a left knee injury. George struggled, ending the night with just seven points on 3-of-11 shooting.
The 76ers were led by Quentin Grimes, who shone brightly with a game-high 30 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 24 points. Philadelphia has been in a slump, losing 13 of their last 15 games, and was coming off a back-to-back, following a 119-102 defeat to Portland.
For Philadelphia, Grimes has been a silver lining since his acquisition from Dallas. He had recently posted a career-high 44 points and set a personal best with nine assists playing against Portland, marking his second feat of scoring 20 points in a half in three games.
Despite facing a depleted lineup, the Timberwolves secured a crucial victory to keep pace in the competitive Western Conference. Heading into the day, Minnesota was tied with the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings for seventh place in the standings.
A pivotal moment occurred when Mike Conley made an impressive half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter, energizing Minnesota. This was followed by a 3-pointer from Walker at the start of the fourth, igniting the Timberwolves’ significant run.
While Minnesota committed 19 turnovers, which translated into 21 points for the 76ers, the team maintained composure in the final quarter, avoiding turnovers until the last 48 seconds.
Looking ahead, the Philadelphia 76ers will face the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are set to play against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
