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The Minnesota Timberwolves took on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time this season on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns was ruled inactive hours before the game, but the underrated Naz Reid would get a bump in minutes without “KAT.” A win by Minnesota would give them more cushion from Oklahoma, which is trying to chase them for the best record in the West.
The Cavaliers were also undermanned as they opened the game without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland had to be confident leading into the game after beating the Boston Celtics 105-104 on Tuesday without “Spida.”
Anthony Edwards had a hot first quarter for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He already had nine points, while no one among his teammates had more than five. “Ant-Man” was aggressive early on in Towns’ absence.
The Cleveland Cavaliers relied on a more balanced attack, with four starters putting up at least three points, while the bench also contributed. Georges Niang came out firing, hitting 3-of-4 shots, including 2-for-3 from deep. The Cavs led 25-23 after the first 12 minutes of the game ended.
Edwards struggled in the second quarter, but it was Naz Reid who took over. He had 13 points coming off Minnesota's bench to help spark the Timberwolves. T.J. Warren also did his part by adding six.
Darius Garland exploded in the said period for the Cavaliers. Without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, he looked for his shots more and had 12 in the said quarter for a total of 17. Caris LeVert contributed 10 off the bench to help push the Cavaliers to a 54-50 halftime lead.
The third quarter was a seesaw battle between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Ant-Man" has been slowed by Cleveland's defense but Naz Reid continues to shine for the visitors.
The trio of Darius Garland, Georges Niang and Caris LeVert resumed their outstanding play on offense. They were mainly responsible in keeping the Cavaliers within striking distance as the third period ended 80-79.
The fourth quarter was a low-scoring bout that had neither injury-hampered teams scoring many points. Jarrett Allen, who was largely quiet throughout the game, provided several key baskets for the home team late in the game.
Minnesota was ahead 97-96 when Rudy Gobert was called for a technical foul for complaining. The Frenchman thought he was fouled but the referees did not call it. Darius Garland made the bonus free throw to tie the game.
Garland also had the opportunity to win it for the Cleveland Cavaliers but Naz Reid proved he wasn't only good on offense. The back up big man blocked Garland's shot to preserve the tie. Anthony Edwards missed a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
Garland and Jarrett Allen connived in the extra period to nail the coffin on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The two made several crucial plays to drag the Cavaliers to a lung-busting 113-104 win.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers game player stats and box scores
Minnesota Timberwolves game player stats
Cleveland Cavaliers game player stats
Anthony Edwards and Darius Garland 3-pointers tonight
Anthony Edwards was 0-for-3 in 3-pointers in the first half tonight. Darius Garland was a little bit better with a 1-for-4 clip from deep during the same stretch.
Edwards' unforgettable night from deep continued in the second half and overtime. He shot 0-for-7 from long range. Garland was again just a tad better, hitting 2-for-10 in 3-pointers tonight.
Guess the Lakers players!
