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Anthony Edwards stole the limelight in Friday night’s NBA showdown, pouring in 37 points with nine 3-pointers to catalyze a Minnesota Timberwolves‘ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, 127-102. Edwards, showcasing his 3-point prowess, fell just one short of his career-best, having lit up the Bulls in Chicago with 33 points the previous Thursday.

Edwards’ Versatile Performance

Edwards didn’t just shine on the offensive end. The dynamic guard also hauled in six rebounds and dished out five assists, spearheading the Timberwolves’ dominance over the Trail Blazers from the get-go.

Notable Contributors for the Timberwolves

Julius Randle chipped in with 22 points, while Rudy Gobert was instrumental on the defensive end with eight points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. This helped Minnesota notch their third consecutive win. For the Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson led the scoring with 16 points, with Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III adding 14 and 13 points respectively.

Portland’s Struggles and Silver Linings

The Trail Blazers, in the midst of their eighth game across seven cities in 13 days, struggled to find their rhythm. Following a loss to San Antonio the previous night, the Blazers lagged from the outset, trailing by 27 points in the second quarter. Despite the setback, the team saw positives with Williams making his season debut and Shaedon Sharpe returning for his second game.

Timberwolves’ Shooting Prowess

Ranked third in the NBA for 3-point shooting, the Timberwolves’ long-range game was on point, as they sank a season-high 22 3-pointers from 50 attempts.

Turning Point and Key Statistic

Portland attempted a comeback in the third quarter, scoring a quick four points to reduce Minnesota’s lead to nine. However, Mike Conley and Edwards, with a runner and two 3-pointers respectively, restored the Timberwolves’ comfortable lead, 72-55.

In a damning statistic for the Trail Blazers, the team remained scoreless for the first 5:12 of the game, missing 11 field-goal attempts during this stretch and falling 10-0 behind before Simons finally broke the deadlock with a long baseline jumper.

What’s Next?

The Trail Blazers head home to square off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, while the Timberwolves welcome the Miami Heat on the same day.

David Marshall is a seasoned sports writer with a flair for storytelling. With a background in both print and digital media, David has a knack for capturing the human side of sports, turning every game into a compelling narrative. His insights into the world of basketball and his love for stats have earned him a loyal following. When he’s not writing, you can find David perfecting his jump shot at the local court.