Anthony Edwards scored 36 points and had 11 assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves stretched their winning streak to five games with a 138-113 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Thursday.
Edwards shot 12 of 18 from the field, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range, and blocked three shots.
The Timberwolves shot a remarkable 61.3 percent from the field and hit 21 of 38 (55.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Despite shooting 50.6 percent, Utah couldn’t keep pace with Minnesota in the second half and lost its eighth straight game.
Keyonte George led six Jazz players in double figures with 23 points, making all seven of his shots from the floor and 7 of 8 free throws. Collin Sexton added 19 points, and John Collins and Jordan Clarkson each scored 16.
Minnesota rookie Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, contributed a career-high 19 points and eight assists in a reserve role. Luka Garza also had a season-high 16 points, shooting 6-of-7 from the field.
Former Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Nickeil Alexander-Walker both had strong performances in their return to Utah. Gobert finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, while Alexander-Walker had 15 points and five assists.
Minnesota’s Julius Randle left the game with right groin soreness after playing 10 minutes and scoring six points. He did not return.
The Timberwolves overcame an early 15-point deficit to take a 57-53 lead at halftime. Edwards led the way in the third quarter with 16 points as Minnesota outscored Utah 44-22 in the period to take control of the game.
Utah came out strong, with Lauri Markkanen, who finished with 15 points, hitting a 3-pointer to start the game. He helped the Jazz open with a 25-10 run, including another 3-pointer, while Minnesota looked tired after playing the night before in Phoenix.
However, the Timberwolves finished the first quarter on a 12-4 run to cut the deficit to 31-27.
In the second quarter, Minnesota took the lead after an 18-2 run, led by Naz Reid, who hit three 3-pointers.
Utah closed the half strong, with Sexton hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to trim the Timberwolves’ lead to four points at halftime.
