Anthony Edwards had 16 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, while five other Timberwolves scored in double figures in a nice 104-91 Minnesota win over the injury-riddle Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday (PHL).
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 23, 2024
Despite being listed as questionable coming to the game due to a dislocated and sprained finger, Edwards played but had a rough shooting night. Still, he managed to impact the game with his work on the boards and spot playmaking.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 23, 2024
After losing to the Nuggets the last time out, the Timberwolves got back to the winning column quickly, draining 14 triples vs. the Cavs as they improve to a strong 24-9 at the Target Center.
Mike Conley led the way for Minnesota with 21 points and six assists. The veteran point guard also had a nasty block on George Niang in the early goings of the fourth quarter that led to a Naz Reid slam in the next possession.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 23, 2024
Speaking of Reid, the sweet-shooting big man returned and collected 18 points, including eight in the final frame as he remains a steady presence offensively for Minnesota in the absence of All-Star Karl Anthony-Towns.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 23, 2024
Jaden McDaniels, Jordan McLaughlin and Kyle Anderson combined for 37 points, doing the bulk of dirty work on both ends. Rudy Gobert also returned from injury and had nine points and 15 boards.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 23, 2024
On the other hand, Daruis Garland led the Cavaliers with 19 markers, while Caris LeVert added 16. Jarrett Allen secured his 35th double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The Timberwolves started hot from long range, draining seven of their first 11 triples led by McLaughin’s four makes.
However, the Cavaliers, who still missed the services of three starters in Donovan Mitchell (broken nose), Evan Mobley (sprained left ankle), and Max Strus (right knee strain) rallied back courtesy of a 18-5 run highlighted to take a three-point lead at the half.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 23, 2024
From that point on, Minnesota outscored Cleveland, 58-42, in the second half to tie their regular season series to one-game apiece.
The Timberwolves (48-22) are still closing in on the West leaders in the Oklahoma City Thunder (49-20) and Denver Nuggets (49-21), while Cleveland (43-27) remained as the third seed in the East, just one game ahead of the fourth-ranked Orlando Magic (42-28).
