Anthony Edwards Explodes for 49 Points as Timberwolves Overcome Bulls
The Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back from a pair of disappointing losses with a 19-point victory over the Chicago Bulls, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ spectacular 49-point performance.
Despite a shaky middle stretch of the game that saw the Wolves blow an early 21-point lead, the home team showcased resilience to secure a much-needed win.
The Timberwolves came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 27-6 lead in the first quarter. The offensive rebounding was particularly impressive, with 23 offensive boards on the night compared to Chicago’s mere six. This uncharacteristic dominance on the glass allowed the Wolves to attempt 15 more field goals than the Bulls when it was all said and done.
Anthony Edwards Goes Off
Edwards was simply unstoppable, going 6-of-14 from three-point range and drawing 18 free throw attempts. His aggressive play and decision-making kept the Bulls’ defense on their heels throughout the game. While he fell just short of the 50-point mark due to a missed free throw late in the fourth quarter, his impact on the game was undeniable.
Naz Reid stepped up big time in Julius Randle’s ongoing absence, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. His ability to create for others and knock down perimeter shots (4-of-10 from three) provided a crucial offensive boost.
Rudy Gobert’s presence on the boards was once again instrumental, particularly on the offensive end. He grabbed 9 offensive rebounds as part of his 15-rebound night, consistently giving us second-chance opportunities. His defensive impact was also felt with 3 steals and 3 blocks.
The Wolves are now just half a game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. With a better point differential than both LA teams and tiebreakers in Minnesota’s favor, the Wolves are in a strong position to continue their methodical climb the standings, up from the hole they dug themselves early in the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ performance against the Bulls, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Jaylen Clark’s impressive defensive performance and growing offensive comfort
• The impact of offensive rebounding on the Wolves’ offensive output
• Looking ahead to the crucial matchup against the Houston Rockets