PHOENIX – beginners Anthony Edwards achieved a career height of 42 points, Karl Anthony Cities 41 added and the Minnesota Timberwolves suddenly look like a respectable NBA basketball team.
The Timberwolves took advantage of the dominant Edwards-KAT combo and a comeback in the fourth quarter to stun the Phoenix Suns 123-119 on Thursday evening. They have won three out of five games since the All-Star hiatus.
At 19 years and 225 days, Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history with a 40-point game.
“Our future success begins now,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch.
| Years-days | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | Lebron James | 19-88 |
| 2007-08 | Kevin Durant | 19-200 |
| 2020-21 | Anthony Edwards | 19-225 |
| 2003-04 | Carmelo Anthony | 19-306 |
The Timberwolves still have the worst record in the NBA at 10-31, but have played a lot better in the past few weeks. Edwards and Towns entered Minnesota in this one, pouring in points from all over the ground.
After the game, Edwards gave his shirt to his “blood brother” who was in the game and gave his shoes to some other fans. The 19-year-old grinned from ear to ear as he left the square.
“We win,” he said. “It’s always happy when we win.”
Edwards, who was number 1 in Georgia last summer, made 15 of 31 shots. Towns was even more efficient, making 15 out of 24 shots, including 5 out of 7 3-pointers. Juancho Hernangomez Immersed 2.5 seconds before sealing.
It was only the second time in Minnesota’s franchise history that two players had scored 40 points in the same game.
“Incredibly special,” said Finch. “They played pretty efficiently. KAT almost got a triple-double. They carried us.”
Jevon Carter Just before the third quarter buzzer, hit a 3-hand to give the Suns a head start on 91-83. But the Timberwolves kept the game tight and Towns connected it with 107 after a 3-pointer with less than five minutes left. The cities also added 10 rebounds and eight assists.
These were the types of gigs the Timberwolves envisioned when they picked Edwards, who has a cute sweater and produced a few highlights on the roll on Thursday. The 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 30.6 points in his last five games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
