Key Takeaways:
- The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 131-122 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking their fourth win in a row
- Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points at 24 years and 156 days old
- Minnesota set season bests in both field goal accuracy (51 of 89, 57%) and three-point percentage (20 of 38, 53%)
Match Analysis: Timberwolves Maintain Winning Streak
The Minnesota Timberwolves extended their impressive run of form with a 131-122 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday evening in Minneapolis, notching their fourth consecutive victory. Led by Julius Randle’s commanding performance of 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, the Timberwolves managed to stave off a late push from the visitors.
GOT IT DONE AT HOME. 👏 pic.twitter.com/J75Pl3wrF8
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 9, 2026
Player Performance: Edwards Joins NBA Elite, Randle Dominates Third Quarter
Anthony Edwards delivered 25 points, nine assists and seven rebounds while making history as the third-youngest NBA player to amass 10,000 career points at the age of 24 years and 156 days. He reached the five-digit milestone midway through the fourth quarter with a 13-foot fadeaway jumper, joining an elite group that previously included only LeBron James and Kevin Durant among those under 25. Only seven players have ever accomplished this feat before their 25th birthday.
Randle was particularly effective in the third quarter, piling on 13 points as Minnesota surged ahead with a 43-22 period, equalling their season-high points tally in a single quarter and opening up a 20-point advantage. Jaden McDaniels contributed 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting, while Donte DiVincenzo connected on 6 of his 10 three-point attempts to finish with 22 points. The hosts ultimately withstood Cleveland’s efforts to reduce the deficit late on.
Statistical Highlights and Shooting Efficiencies
Minnesota started strongly with a 17-5 run and sustained their relentless scoring to close the contest having set new season bests for both field goal shooting percentage (51 of 89, 57%) and three-point shooting (20 of 38, 53%). Since Thanksgiving Day, the Timberwolves have amassed a 15-5 record – better than any other NBA team in that span.
For the Cavaliers, Sam Merrill registered 22 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer with 2:56 remaining that brought Cleveland within four points. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 30 points and eight assists. Cleveland were forced to cope without forward Dean Wade, sidelined due to a bruised left knee suffered in their previous fixture.
| Team | Points | Field Goals Made/Attempted (%) | 3-Point Made/Attempted (%) | Key Player(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 131 | 51 / 89 (57%) | 20 / 38 (53%) | Julius Randle (28 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast), Anthony Edwards (25 pts, 9 ast, 7 reb), Jaden McDaniels (26 pts) |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 122 | 48/91 (52.7%) | 11/33 (33.3%) | Donovan Mitchell (30 pts, 8 ast), Sam Merrill (22 pts) |
Series Outlook
The two teams will conclude their two-game season series with a rematch in Cleveland on Saturday afternoon.
