Timberwolves stun Rockets 117-107 as fourth-quarter surge delivers statement road victory

HOUSTON — The Minnesota Timberwolves are beginning to demonstrate that they can do more than survive without Anthony Edwards. They can defeat some of the Western Conference's best teams, even on the road, with balanced scoring, timely defense and an increasingly dependable supporting cast.

Ayo Dosunmu scored 21 points, LaMelo Ball added 20 and Jonathan Kuminga delivered two critical 3-pointers in the closing minutes Wednesday night as Minnesota defeated the Houston Rockets 117-107 at Toyota Center, handing one of the NBA's hottest teams just its second loss of the season.

The Timberwolves improved to 6-3 with their third consecutive victory, including two wins since Monday over Milwaukee and Houston. The Rockets fell to 7-2 after entering the game with seven victories in their first eight contests and an unbeaten record at home.

Minnesota played without Edwards, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and Terrence Shannon Jr., who missed his second consecutive game because of a hip contusion. The Timberwolves nevertheless outscored Houston 35-23 in the fourth quarter, turning a two-point deficit after three periods into one of their most impressive victories of the young season.

The performance provided another indication that coach Chris Finch is finding workable offensive combinations while waiting for his franchise player to return.

Ball, Kuminga take control in fourth quarter

Minnesota trailed 84-82 entering the final period before Ball began attacking Houston's defense with greater aggression. He scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, providing the offensive leadership the Timberwolves needed against a Rockets team that had been particularly difficult to defeat at home.

Ball scored seven points during a 10-2 run that gave Minnesota a 104-98 advantage with approximately five minutes remaining. Houston responded behind Fred VanVleet, whose 3-pointer reduced the deficit to 104-102, but the Timberwolves maintained their composure during the decisive possessions.

Kuminga then delivered the plays that effectively secured the victory.

With Minnesota leading by two, Kuminga made a 3-pointer, Dosunmu followed with a steal and Kuminga converted a tip-in to extend the advantage to 111-104 with approximately two minutes remaining. Kevin Durant made two free throws for Houston, but Kuminga answered with another 3-pointer in the final minute to give Minnesota a 114-106 lead.

Kuminga finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, continuing to provide the Timberwolves with an athletic scoring option capable of attacking the basket and contributing from the perimeter.

His closing performance was particularly important because Minnesota had struggled to maintain offensive consistency earlier in the game. The Timberwolves scored 33 points in the opening quarter but managed only 24 in the second and 25 in the third before producing their strongest period when the outcome was on the line.

Ball's 20-point performance followed his season-high 34 points against Milwaukee on Monday. The consecutive victories have provided encouragement that he can assume greater responsibility as Minnesota's primary offensive creator during Edwards' absence.

Dosunmu continues strong early-season play

Dosunmu led Minnesota in scoring for the second time in three games, continuing an impressive stretch that has made him one of the team's most important contributors.

He scored 27 points against San Antonio on Saturday and followed with 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in Monday's victory over Milwaukee. His 21-point performance against Houston demonstrated that the Timberwolves have another dependable offensive option when their established scorers encounter difficult defensive matchups.

Dosunmu's contributions extend beyond scoring. His ability to defend opposing guards, create transition opportunities and maintain offensive movement has helped Minnesota compensate for injuries that have reduced its perimeter depth.

The steal that preceded Kuminga's late tip-in against Houston illustrated his value during important possessions. Minnesota needed defensive stops as much as additional scoring, and Dosunmu helped provide both.

Jaden McDaniels added 14 points and eight rebounds, giving the Timberwolves another productive performance from a player whose offensive responsibilities have increased without Edwards.

Rudy Gobert also made an important contribution defensively, collecting 11 rebounds and blocking four shots. His presence helped Minnesota withstand Houston's frontcourt size and provided additional protection against drives to the basket.

The Timberwolves have now won three consecutive games after losing two straight, improving their position in a Western Conference race that already includes several teams with strong records.

Minnesota withstands Sengun triple-double

Houston received another productive performance from Alperen Sengun, who finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his 13th career triple-double.

The Rockets center repeatedly created opportunities for teammates through his passing and ability to operate from the high post, but Minnesota prevented Houston from converting those contributions into a fourth-quarter victory.

Durant led the Rockets with 21 points, while VanVleet added 18. Houston entered the game averaging more than 119 points but was limited to 107 as the Timberwolves tightened their defense during the closing period.

Minnesota's fourth-quarter performance was particularly encouraging because the Rockets had established themselves as one of the league's strongest defensive and rebounding teams through the opening two weeks.

The Timberwolves also had to overcome a difficult moment in the second quarter when Kuminga received a flagrant foul 1 after striking Sengun in the jaw with his elbow. Sengun fell to the floor but remained in the game and completed his triple-double.

Houston remained competitive throughout the first three quarters, with neither team able to establish a commanding advantage. The Rockets scored 30 points in the opening period, 27 in the second and 27 in the third before Minnesota's defense limited them to 23 in the fourth.

That defensive improvement, combined with Ball's scoring and Kuminga's late shooting, ultimately determined the outcome.

Edwards' absence continues to reshape offense

Edwards remains sidelined following surgery on his right knee, an injury expected to keep the All-Star guard unavailable for an extended period.

He averaged 33.3 points during Minnesota's first four games, establishing himself as one of the NBA's leading scorers before undergoing the procedure. The Timberwolves have not announced a definitive return date, although his recovery could extend into late December.

His absence has required Finch to redistribute offensive responsibilities among Ball, Dosunmu, McDaniels, Kuminga and the team's supporting players.

Minnesota's recent performances suggest that the adjustment is beginning to produce results.

Ball has provided important perimeter scoring, Dosunmu has contributed across several statistical categories, and Kuminga has emerged as a player capable of delivering significant offense during decisive stretches.

Gobert's return from back spasms also has restored an important defensive component. The veteran center missed Saturday's loss at San Antonio, when Victor Wembanyama scored 43 points, but returned against Milwaukee and played an important role against Houston.

Shannon's hip injury remains another concern for Minnesota's perimeter rotation. His availability for Friday's game at New Orleans will depend on further evaluation.

Donte DiVincenzo also remains unavailable following an Achilles injury, reducing the team's experienced backcourt depth.

No additional major Timberwolves trade, coaching change or confirmed long-term injury development emerged from Wednesday's game.

NBA Cup game next in New Orleans

Minnesota continues its two-game road trip Friday at New Orleans, where the Timberwolves will face the Pelicans in their second Emirates NBA Cup group-stage game.

The Timberwolves opened tournament play with a 127-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30, giving them an encouraging start in the competition.

Friday's matchup presents another opportunity to build momentum before Minnesota returns to Target Center for an extended homestand beginning Sunday against Utah.

The Timberwolves will host Dallas next Thursday, followed by Chicago and consecutive games against Portland.

The upcoming stretch gives Minnesota an opportunity to strengthen its record while continuing to develop offensive chemistry without Edwards.

Wednesday's victory was particularly meaningful because Houston entered the game as one of the Western Conference's leading teams. The Rockets had won seven of their first eight games, possessed one of the league's strongest scoring differentials and had not lost at home.

Minnesota overcame those advantages with a productive fourth quarter, balanced scoring and defensive execution when the game remained undecided.

The Timberwolves have demonstrated considerable offensive potential through their first nine games, but their ability to close out a strong opponent on the road may prove more valuable than another high-scoring performance against a struggling team.

With Edwards unavailable, Minnesota cannot depend on one player to carry its offense every night. The victories over Milwaukee and Houston suggest the Timberwolves are developing alternatives.

Ball provided the fourth-quarter scoring, Kuminga made the decisive shots, Dosunmu led the team in points and Gobert helped protect the basket.

That combination gave Minnesota its sixth victory and an important measure of confidence heading into another NBA Cup assignment.

Minnesota Timberwolves upcoming schedule

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Minnesota's next game is Friday at New Orleans, followed by the beginning of an eight-game homestand Sunday against Utah. The Timberwolves enter the Pelicans matchup with a 6-3 record and three consecutive victories.