By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Anthony Edwards’ second-best scoring performance in the ongoing NBA regular season propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a huge win over the Washington Wizards, 120-106, and returned to the winning column on January 14, 2025.
After a disappointing meltdown against the Memphis Grizzlies during their last outing, Edwards took matters into his own hands and torched the Wizards with 41 big points built from an efficient 14/25 shooting from the field.
Edwards single-handedly sucked the life out of Washington in the second half after taking on his defenders in several isolation plays at the top of the key.
To prevent any double teams, the Timberwolves cleared the other side that dragged the rest of the Wizards to the weak side, allowing Edwards to penetrate at will in the shaded lane.
Edwards also drained five three-pointers and shot a perfect 8/8 from the charity stripe, a result of his aggressiveness in putting the Washington front court in foul trouble.
Aside from his offensive eruption, Edwards also did it all for the Timberwolves and pulled off an all-around effort of seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and a block.
It was a game of runs in the first half as Washington was able to keep themselves within striking distance and only trailed by four points after the second frame.
However, the Wizards were caught off-guard with Edwards’ insane scoring spree in the fourth and could only watch the Timberwolves balloon their biggest lead of the ball game to 17 points.
Julius Randle also handled his business after delivering a dominant double-double outing of 20 markers and 10 rebounds, while Naz Reid chipped in 12 points and three steals off the bench.
On the other hand, the Wizards received a 42-point combined performance from Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, but Edwards’ scoring clinic in the fourth turned the tides that shifted the momentum back to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves will aim for their second consecutive win when they head back home to face the Golden State Warriors on January 16, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Wizards seek to halt their seven-game losing streak on January 17, 2025, against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.
