Wizards beat Timberwolves 105-103 to end 16-game losing streak
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Kyle Kuzma posted a season-high 31 points, leading the Washington Wizards to a 105-103 victory over the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night, snapping a 16-game losing streak.
Jordan Poole added 19 points, Bilal Coulibaly chipped in 14, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds to help Washington secure its seventh win of the season.
The Wizards held a seven-point lead with under four minutes remaining, but a turnover with 11 seconds left put them in a tense situation with only a two-point advantage. Minnesota had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s potential game-tying three-pointer bounced off the rim with three seconds left. Corey Kispert grabbed the rebound, and Washington held on to snap a 21-game road losing streak.
Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 23 points and 12 rebounds, marking his first career game with at least 20 points and 10 boards. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, but the Timberwolves’ five-game winning streak came to an end.
Minnesota was missing two key starters. All-Star Anthony Edwards was sidelined due to illness, and Julius Randle sat out with a groin injury, expected to keep him out for more than a few days. Naz Reid, making his first start of the season, left early in the third quarter with a finger injury.
Malcolm Brogdon made his return after missing 14 games with a foot injury, contributing three points, four assists, and five rebounds in 21 minutes of action. Despite the losses, Minnesota continued to show strong ball movement, recording 29 assists.
Both teams are back in action on Monday night, with Washington facing Charlotte and Minnesota hosting Sacramento.