PHILADELPHIA — In a thrilling showdown, Anthony Edwards delivered a stunning performance with 37 points, while Rudy Gobert contributed an impressive 23 points and 19 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers with a 114-109 win Saturday night, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Julius Randle supported with 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 13, helping Minnesota secure their sixth win in seven games.
The 76ers were led by Quentin Grimes, who scored 28 points while shooting 10-for-18 from the field, including an impressive 6-for-10 from three-point range. Guerschon Yabusele added 19 points, Lonnie Walker IV contributed 18, and Jared Butler chipped in 16, yet it wasn’t enough to prevent Philadelphia from suffering their 11th consecutive defeat and their 14th in the last 15 outings. The 76ers haven’t celebrated a win since triumphing over Dallas on March 16.
With the clock winding down, Philadelphia narrowed the score to 111-109, but Edwards, despite tight defense, managed to sink a critical 3-pointer at the shot-clock buzzer, extending the lead to 114-109. Yabusele’s final 3-point attempt missed with mere seconds remaining, allowing Edwards to capture the rebound and clinch the victory.
Takeaways
For the Timberwolves, it was a shaky yet successful outing. They faced challenges with 15 turnovers and shot 21 of 29 from the free-throw line, but their perseverance secured a crucial spot among the Western Conference playoff contenders.
Despite significant injuries and missing three All-Stars, the 76ers pushed their opponents to the limit, showcasing tenacity against last season’s Western Conference runner-up.
Key moment
Edwards’ pivotal 3-pointer not only sealed the game but also marked a milestone, as he became the third player in NBA history to achieve 300 three-pointers in just 75 games, joining the ranks of Stephen Curry and James Harden.
Key stat
Philadelphia’s ongoing struggle has resulted in an 11-game losing streak, tying the 15th-longest in franchise history. The current skid is their worst since a 12-game losing streak in March and April of 2016.
Up next
The Timberwolves will continue their road trip, facing Milwaukee on Tuesday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, the 76ers will look to reverse their fortunes as they head to Miami on Monday.