Anthony Edwards scored 37 points in a stellar return from injury, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 137-97 victory over the Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.
The Timberwolves set the tone early, exploding for a 43-15 lead in the first quarter as Edwards hit two quick three-pointers and a step-back jumper. His aggressive start helped Minnesota establish control, and the team never looked back in what became a lopsided affair. The dominant performance came in their first game of the NBA Cup, a new in-season tournament, highlighting their potential in the competition. Edwards, playing in his second game after a four-game absence due to a hamstring strain, showed no signs of rust.
Edwards’ scoring outburst was efficient, as he shot 12-for-21 from the field and an impressive 7-for-12 from beyond the arc. His 37 points were a game-high, and his energy fueled the Wolves’ fast-paced offense. Beyond scoring, his presence on the court opened opportunities for teammates, contributing to the team’s season-high 56.8% shooting from the floor. This marked a strong comeback for the young star, who is crucial to Minnesota’s playoff aspirations.
Julius Randle complemented Edwards with a near-triple-double, tallying 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Remarkably, Randle was just one rebound short of the triple-double by halftime, as the Wolves built a massive 79-45 lead. This was his second triple-double in a week, following a similar feat in a win over Brooklyn, underscoring his versatile impact. His playmaking and rebounding were key in facilitating the blowout.
Jaden McDaniels added 22 points and seven rebounds, providing secondary scoring that overwhelmed the Jazz defense. The Timberwolves’ ball movement was crisp, resulting in high-percentage shots and a balanced attack. Defensively, they limited Utah to 37.2% shooting, forcing tough attempts and capitalizing on turnovers. The team’s cohesion was evident, with players feeding off each other’s energy throughout the game.
On the other side, the Jazz struggled mightily, with Keyonte George leading the team with 18 points and Lauri Markkanen adding 12. Utah’s defense was porous, allowing a season-high 137 points and marking the third time in nine games they’ve given up at least 134 points. Second-year guard Isaiah Collier made his season debut after a hamstring injury but couldn’t stem the tide. The loss dropped them to 0-2 in the NBA Cup, raising concerns about their consistency.
The game has implications for the NBA Cup standings, as both teams are in Western Conference Group A with Phoenix, Oklahoma City, and Sacramento. Minnesota’s win positions them well for advancement, while Utah faces an uphill battle. The blowout also reflects broader trends in the Northwest Division, where the Timberwolves are chasing leaders like Oklahoma City. For Edwards, it signals a return to form that could boost his All-Star candidacy.
Looking ahead, the Jazz will host the Timberwolves again on Monday, offering a chance for redemption, while Minnesota travels to Sacramento on Sunday before the rematch. The quick turnaround tests both teams’ depth and adjustments, with the NBA Cup adding stakes to these early-season matchups. Fans can expect a more competitive game in Utah, as the Jazz aim to avoid a sweep in the series.
