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Timberwolves Stun Rockets with Historic Overtime Comeback Sealed by Randle’s Late Jumper

Julius Randle scoring an easy basket against Phoenix Suns

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 110-108 overtime win against the Houston Rockets on, finishing with a 15-0 run capped by Julius Randle’s decisive basket
  • Minnesota overcame a 13-point overtime deficit, marking the largest comeback in an overtime period since detailed play-by-play records began in 1997
  • Kevin Durant moved past Dirk Nowitzki for eighth place on the NBA’s all-time regular season field goals made list with 11,177

Clutch Overtime Performance Propels Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves produced an extraordinary finish to defeat the Houston Rockets 110-108 in Minneapolis, closing the contest with a game-ending 15-0 surge in overtime. Julius Randle delivered the go-ahead jumper with just 8.8 seconds to play, putting the Wolves in front for good. This capped off a dramatic turnaround, as the Timberwolves had trailed by 13 points in overtime – the largest such comeback since comprehensive play-by-play data began in 1997.

Randle, who was held scoreless in the first half, eventually tallied all 24 of his points after the interval. His run was nearly undone when he fouled Kevin Durant with 3.3 seconds remaining, sending Durant to the line. The Rockets, flawless from the stripe at that stage (23 for 23), saw Durant’s first attempt fall short. He intentionally missed the second, but Houston failed to regain possession, sealing their defeat.

Momentum Swings and Key Player Performances

Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun each poured in 30 points for Houston. The pair collaborated on a late 12-point stretch in the fourth quarter, allowing the Rockets to overturn an 11-point deficit with just three and a half minutes on the clock. Houston opened overtime with 13 unanswered points, but Minnesota responded emphatically to clinch the result.

Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 25 points before departing due to an apparent leg issue. The Timberwolves were left shorthanded as five of their top seven rotation players were unavailable by the closing stages. Naz Reid was ejected after disputing officiating decisions, Rudy Gobert fouled out, and Ayo Dosunmu sat out with a sore calf. Nevertheless, Gobert posted 14 points and 14 boards, while Reid added 14 points and 13 rebounds in support.

TeamScoreTop ScorerRebounds LeaderAssists Leader
Minnesota Timberwolves110Jaden McDaniels (25)Rudy Gobert (14)Bones Hyland (8)
Houston Rockets108Kevin Durant / Alperen Sengun (30 each)Jabari Smith Jr. (12)Amen Thompson (10)

Statistical Milestones and Playoff Implications

Kevin Durant, who struggled from the field before halftime (2 for 11), ascended to eighth on the NBA’s all-time career regular season field goals list, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki with his total now at 11,177. Minnesota (45-28) remain just half a game back from Denver, occupying the fourth spot in the Western Conference. Houston (43-29) continue to hold sixth place.

The Rockets previously won the clubs’ first meeting on 16 January, a game where Anthony Edwards was also absent for Minnesota. The Timberwolves now prepare for a stretch featuring six of their final eight games away from home, including a rematch in Houston on 10 April. Conversely, the Rockets will play six of their last eight fixtures at home.

Upcoming Fixtures

  • Rockets: Travel to face Memphis on Friday
  • Timberwolves: Host Detroit on Saturday

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