Darius Garland’s 34 points, coupled with Jarrett Allen’s career-high 33 points and 18 rebounds, propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 113-104 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, despite injuries thinning their lineup.
Allen’s remarkable performance included sinking a career-best 15 free throws, with 14 coming after halftime. His clutch play in overtime, contributing 10 points, helped the Cavs outscore the Timberwolves 16-7 and secure their eighth consecutive win against a Western Conference opponent.
Reflecting on the team’s recent successes, Allen remarked, “It just boosts us for when everybody else gets back. Contrary to belief, we’re better when everybody is in the lineup.”
Despite missing key starters like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus due to injuries, Cleveland managed to overcome the Timberwolves, who were perhaps fatigued following a close win against the Indiana Pacers the previous night.
Minnesota’s Naz Reid impressed with a career-high 34 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 19 points, albeit on a challenging 7-of-27 shooting. However, the Timberwolves, who had boasted the league’s best road record, fell short against the Cavs.
The absence of head coach Chris Finch, who felt ill before the game, didn’t help Minnesota’s cause. Assistant coach Micah Nori stepped in for Finch and expressed disappointment over center Rudy Gobert’s late technical foul.
Gobert’s gesture toward the officials, implying financial motives, drew criticism from Nori, who deemed it unacceptable. Gobert admitted fault for his reaction, acknowledging that it was immature and cost his team the game.
The game remained tight throughout, with Garland’s technical free throw tying the score at 97. Despite a last-ditch effort by Minnesota in regulation, Edwards’ shot at the buzzer missed the mark.
With key players like All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined due to injury, the Timberwolves faced additional challenges. Edwards, fresh off a 44-point game, couldn’t replicate his heroics, while Mitchell’s absence hindered the Cavs.
Mitchell’s recovery progress remains ongoing, with coach J.B. Bickerstaff noting his gradual return to on-court activities. The team awaits further evaluation before determining his availability.
