Anthony Edwards scores 36 points in the Timberwolves’ 138-113 victory over the Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Anthony Edwards delivered a stellar performance, scoring 16 of his 36 points in the third quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a dominant 138-113 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The victory marked the Timberwolves’ fifth straight, and their second in as many nights after a 121-113 win over Phoenix on Wednesday.
Edwards, who was named an All-Star reserve earlier on Thursday, also recorded 11 assists and played a pivotal role in Minnesota’s commanding 44-22 run in the third quarter. The Timberwolves displayed impressive ball movement without their starting point guard, Mike Conley, who was sidelined with a thumb sprain, finishing with 38 assists – matching their season high set three games ago in Denver.
Utah, despite a modest push in the fourth quarter, couldn’t keep up. Edwards buried three 3-pointers in quick succession, boosting Minnesota’s lead to 125-97 with just over four minutes left to play.
Keyonte George, who had been removed from the Jazz starting lineup four games ago, was one of the few bright spots for Utah, posting 23 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting performance. Collin Sexton added 19 points, while John Collins and Jordan Clarkson each chipped in 16. However, the Jazz fell to their eighth consecutive loss.
For the Timberwolves, rookie Rob Dillingham enjoyed a career-high 19 points, and veteran big men Rudy Gobert and Luka Garza each contributed 16 points. Minnesota shot a blistering 61.3% from the field, surpassing their previous season-best of 56.6% in a loss to Memphis earlier in January.
The Jazz had an early 25-10 lead following a Lauri Markkanen 3-pointer, but their offense faltered as the game progressed. Markkanen, along with Collins, Sexton, and Clarkson, was back in action for Utah for the first time since January 4th, when they last won a game.
Up next, the Timberwolves will return home to face Washington on Saturday, while Utah will host Orlando the same night.