Timberwolves Blow Out Jazz to Advance in NBA Cup
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The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Utah Jazz with a resounding 137-97 victory in the NBA Cup matchup at the Target Center. Anthony Edwards was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 37 points on 12-for-21 shooting.
According to Deadspin, Minnesota got off to a blistering start, finishing the first quarter with a commanding 43-15 lead and never looking back. Julius Randle contributed significantly as well, recording a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, showcasing the depth of the Timberwolves' roster.
Jaden McDaniels also made a notable impact, adding 22 points along with seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots, further solidifying Minnesota's offensive and defensive prowess. The Timberwolves shot an efficient 56.8% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range, while the Jazz struggled, hitting only 37.2% of their shots overall and just 23.1% from beyond the arc.
The Timberwolves' defense stifled Utah, particularly in the first half, where they limited the Jazz's scoring opportunities. Keyonte George led Utah with 18 points, but the team faced significant challenges as Lauri Markkanen, typically a key contributor, only managed 12 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
The Timberwolves' fast-paced offense was on full display, as they pushed the tempo and capitalized on turnovers, leading to easy baskets. As the game progressed, Minnesota continued to build on their lead, even surpassing the 100-point mark late in the third quarter thanks to a floating jump shot from Naz Reid.
The fourth quarter allowed the Timberwolves to showcase their bench, and the crowd erupted when rookie Joan Beringer finished a two-handed slam, highlighting the team's bright future. This victory not only marked Minnesota's most lopsided win of the season but also positions them favorably as they aim for advancement in the NBA Cup tournament.
The Timberwolves' performance against the Jazz sends a strong message to the rest of the league about their potential this season.