Kevin Durant erupted for 39 points, eight rebounds and four assists, guiding the Houston Rockets to a 110‑105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. The veteran scorer’s late‑quarter surge secured a crucial win that keeps Houston above the Play‑In cutoff and strengthens its push for a direct Western Conference playoff spot.
Game Summary
The contest started as a tight duel, with Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (33 points, 7 rebounds) and Karl‑Anthony Towns (25 points, 12 rebounds) giving the Timberwolves a 56‑51 halftime lead. Houston relied on a balanced attack from Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, feeding off Durant’s passes. The third quarter became the turning point as Durant poured in 21 points, sparking a 10‑2 run that flipped the lead. In the decisive fourth quarter, the Rockets forced eight turnovers and out‑scored Minnesota 30‑24 to seal the win.
Key Moments
- Third‑Quarter Surge: Durant scored 16 of his 21 third‑quarter points, hitting three of four three‑pointers.
- Defensive Clamp: Houston forced eight turnovers, converting four directly into points.
- Clutch Finish: Durant sealed the game with a three‑pointer and two free throws in the final 1:12.
Top Performers
Kevin Durant – 39 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Durant shot an efficient 15‑20 from the field, including 7‑8 from three‑point range and 6‑7 free throws. His ability to draw double teams opened lanes for Green and Şengün, while his composure in the final minutes kept Houston ahead.
Jalen Green – 22 points, 5 assists
Green added a scoring punch with 10 fast‑break points and four three‑pointers, stretching the Timberwolves’ defense and providing crucial secondary offense.
Alperen Şengün – 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks
The Turkish rookie anchored the interior, protecting the rim with four blocks and securing key rebounds on both ends of the floor.
Anthony Edwards – 33 points, 7 rebounds
Edwards remained Minnesota’s focal point, delivering a mix of drives and perimeter shots, though missed extra‑point attempts in the fourth quarter proved costly.
Karl‑Anthony Towns – 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks
Towns posted a double‑double but struggled with a 33% field‑goal percentage as Durant’s defensive pressure limited his effectiveness.
Implications for the Rockets
The win lifts Houston back to a .500 record in its final ten games, keeping the team above the Play‑In line and preserving a chance for a direct playoff berth. Durant’s seventh 30‑plus point outing of the season underscores his role as the Rockets’ go‑to scorer in clutch moments, while the improved defense hints at a shifting identity for a team long criticized for lapses.
Implications for the Timberwolves
The loss drops Minnesota to 30‑27, nudging the club toward the Play‑In threshold. Despite elite production from Edwards and Towns, the Timberwolves’ reliance on perimeter shooting (38% from three) left them vulnerable when Houston’s defense intensified. Their next matchup will test the team’s ability to rebound and secure a direct playoff ticket.
Takeaways
- Durant’s Leadership Is Paramount: At 38, his scoring outburst proves his elite pedigree remains intact.
- Defensive Adjustments Pay Off: Houston’s aggressive, rotating defense in the third quarter disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm.
- Depth Becomes a Factor: Combined 36 points from Green and Şengün give the Rockets valuable bench production.
- Minnesota Must Recalibrate Late‑Game Execution: Missed free throws and untimely turnovers highlighted a need for poise under pressure.
