In one of the most thrilling games of the season, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 130-126 overtime victory against the Sacramento Kings, who were missing key players.
Despite a franchise-record 60-point performance from De’Aaron Fox, Minnesota managed to hold on in the extra period, thanks to Edwards’ scoring explosion and clutch plays down the stretch.
Fox, who had been on a tear all night, scored an incredible 26 points in the fourth quarter and overtime alone. His 60 points are the most ever by a Sacramento King, surpassing the previous franchise record of 56 set by DeMarcus Cousins in 2016. The performance was nothing short of historic, but even Fox’s herculean effort was not enough to propel the Kings past a balanced Timberwolves squad.
Edwards finished the game with 36 points, showcasing his scoring ability and resilience, especially during the overtime period. After Fox hit a three-pointer to start the extra frame, Edwards responded by scoring five consecutive points to give Minnesota an edge they would not relinquish. His performance, combined with timely contributions from Julius Randle (26 points) and Naz Reid (16 points), helped secure the Timberwolves’ win in a game that saw both teams go back and forth in a frenetic battle.
The game started with the Timberwolves quickly building a double-digit lead, as they jumped out to a 62-54 advantage at halftime. Edwards was aggressive from the start, and Minnesota capitalized on Sacramento’s defensive lapses. However, in the second half, the Kings stormed back, led by the brilliance of Fox. Sacramento started the fourth quarter on a 14-0 run, which erased a 20-point deficit and gave them a fighting chance to complete the comeback.
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Despite Fox’s explosive scoring, Sacramento was without two key contributors in DeMar DeRozan, sidelined due to lower back tightness, and Malik Monk, who was out with an ankle injury. The Kings struggled to find offensive consistency without their regular scoring options, and while Fox kept them in the game, it wasn’t enough to close it out.
Minnesota, however, showed impressive resilience. After the Kings clawed their way back, the Timberwolves didn’t back down. The game remained tight as both teams traded blows, but Julius Randle delivered the key play in the final minute. His driving layup with under a minute to play put Minnesota ahead by two, giving the Timberwolves the lead they would ultimately keep.
The game’s key moment came after Randle’s go-ahead basket. With just under 20 seconds left, Fox had a chance to tie the game with a floater, but it rimmed out. Edwards grabbed the crucial rebound, pushed the ball up the floor, and sank a deep two-pointer with 14.1 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the game for Minnesota and putting the Kings on the brink of defeat.
The Timberwolves’ victory was a total team effort, with seven players finishing in double figures. Edwards was the obvious standout, but Randle’s clutch scoring and the contributions from Reid and others were crucial. Minnesota showed poise in overtime, making their first four shots and keeping Sacramento at bay despite Fox’s incredible scoring performance.
On the other side, the Kings’ loss was a tough one to swallow, especially given Fox’s historic night. Sacramento had the offensive firepower to keep up with Minnesota, but they were ultimately undone by the absence of their two key players and a lack of timely stops on defense. Fox’s 60 points were the first 50-point game for the Kings since Cousins’ 56-point outburst in 2016, marking another remarkable individual achievement in a game that wasn’t quite enough for a victory.
Despite the loss, Fox’s performance was a major positive for Sacramento. He showed why he’s one of the most electrifying players in the league, carrying his team for much of the game. However, for the Kings to be competitive in the long term, they’ll need more support from the rest of their roster, especially when they’re without two of their primary scorers in DeRozan and Monk.
The Timberwolves’ win was an important one, as they managed to hold off a fierce challenge from a short-handed Sacramento team. Edwards’ performance was the focal point, but Minnesota’s depth and collective effort were equally critical. The Timberwolves showed that, even when a game turns into a shootout, they can rely on their all-around team play to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Minnesota will face a tough challenge when they host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Timberwolves will need to build on their strong team play, with Edwards and Randle leading the charge. For Sacramento, they’ll look to bounce back as they host the Utah Jazz on Saturday, hoping to get healthy and continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.
In the end, this game was a thrilling showcase of offensive firepower, with Edwards and Fox putting on a show for the ages. While the Timberwolves emerged victorious, both teams can take away positives from the game, knowing that their stars are capable of leading their respective teams to big performances.