Cleveland Cavaliers 127, Minnesota Timberwolves 125 (OT)
The Cleveland Cavaliers erased a double-digit halftime deficit and survived a spectacular 47-point performance from Anthony Edwards to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127–125 in overtime Monday night.
Minnesota controlled the opening half, attacking Cleveland inside and building a comfortable lead. However, a dominant third quarter from the Cavaliers changed the direction of the game, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter and overtime finish.
First Quarter: Minnesota Comes Out Firing
Minnesota wasted little time establishing its offense, jumping ahead 12–7 behind strong ball movement and aggressive play around the basket.
LaMelo Ball produced one of the best plays of the opening quarter, stealing the ball from James Harden before delivering a behind-the-back assist to Jaden McDaniels for a dunk.
The Timberwolves continued building their advantage, stretching the lead to 22–11 while shooting 10-for-19 from the field. Cleveland, meanwhile, was struggling offensively, connecting on just five of its first 14 attempts.
Anthony Edwards was particularly effective, scoring nine early points on 4-for-5 shooting.
Cleveland began responding through Donovan Mitchell, who recorded a steal before knocking down a three-pointer to cut Minnesota’s advantage to 25–16.
The Cavaliers also received an unexpected boost from 20-year-old Meleek Thomas. Making his NBA debut, Thomas scored eight points in just five minutes off the bench, helping Cleveland stay within striking distance.
Edwards finished the quarter with 11 points, and Minnesota entered the second leading 31–24.
Second Quarter: Timberwolves Dominate the Paint
Minnesota continued controlling the interior as the second quarter began.
The Timberwolves extended their advantage to 35–26, forcing Cleveland to call a timeout.
Thomas continued impressing for the Cavaliers, reaching double figures early in the quarter. His scoring provided a needed contribution while Cleveland’s established stars struggled to find consistent offense.
Minnesota’s defense also created opportunities in transition.
After a blocked attempt by Mitchell, McDaniels raced downcourt for a fast-break layup, extending Minnesota’s advantage to 45–34.
The Timberwolves eventually pushed their lead to 50–37, continuing to punish Cleveland inside.
By halftime, Minnesota held a 60–50 advantage, with its interior offense proving the biggest difference.
The Timberwolves had outscored Cleveland 38–24 in the paint, consistently finding high-percentage opportunities despite struggling from beyond the arc.
Neither team was shooting particularly well from three-point range. Minnesota had connected on just three of its 15 attempts, while Cleveland was 6-for-17.
The Timberwolves had done enough defensively and around the basket to control the game without needing an outstanding perimeter shooting performance.
Third Quarter: Cleveland Completely Changes the Game
The Cavaliers emerged from halftime looking like a different team.
Minnesota initially maintained its advantage through Edwards, who continued creating shots and attacking Cleveland’s defense.
However, Harden began finding his rhythm.
The veteran guard connected on consecutive three-pointers, providing Cleveland with the offensive spark it desperately needed.
The Cavaliers also increased their defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and preventing Minnesota from comfortably operating in the half court.
Evan Mobley contributed from the perimeter, while Thomas continued his excellent debut by knocking down two three-pointers late in the quarter.
Mitchell added another three-pointer in the closing seconds, completing Cleveland’s remarkable turnaround.
The Cavaliers outscored Minnesota 36–26 in the third quarter, erasing the halftime deficit and bringing the teams level entering the fourth.
What had looked like a comfortable Minnesota victory was suddenly anybody’s game.
Fourth Quarter: Edwards and Cleveland Trade Blows
The final regulation period became an offensive battle.
Minnesota received contributions from Terrence Shannon Jr., who connected on timely three-pointers, while McDaniels continued providing scoring support.
Edwards remained the focal point of the Timberwolves’ offense, repeatedly creating difficult shots and keeping Cleveland from taking control.
Harden tied the game at 104 with another three-pointer midway through the fourth.
Edwards responded with consecutive jumpers, continuing an extraordinary individual performance.
Cleveland refused to go away.
Mobley knocked down a three-pointer, Mitchell attacked the basket, and Harden continued finding opportunities against Minnesota’s defense.
Ball later converted a driving layup to give Minnesota another late advantage, but Mitchell answered.
After Jonathan Kuminga split a pair of free throws, Harden connected on a clutch floating jumper with 10 seconds remaining to tie the contest.
Minnesota had an opportunity to win on its final possession.
Edwards attacked the basket, but Peyton Watson delivered a huge block to prevent the potential game-winner.
Four quarters weren’t enough.
Overtime: Cavaliers Complete the Comeback
The intensity only increased in overtime.
Edwards continued delivering for Minnesota, knocking down a three-pointer and adding a stepback jumper as the Timberwolves attempted to preserve their undefeated record.
Mitchell answered with scoring of his own, refusing to let Cleveland lose momentum.
The teams traded blows throughout the extra period, with neither able to establish a comfortable advantage.
Ultimately, Cleveland secured the 127–125 victory, completing its comeback and handing Minnesota its first defeat of the season.
Edwards finished with an extraordinary 47 points on 19-for-33 shooting, including five three-pointers.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, his individual brilliance wasn’t enough.
Final Takeaways
Cleveland’s third-quarter response won this game. After struggling to contain Minnesota’s interior offense in the first half, the Cavaliers increased their defensive pressure and finally found their perimeter shooting. That 36-point third quarter completely changed the matchup.
Anthony Edwards deserved better. Scoring 47 points on efficient shooting while repeatedly delivering in critical moments should ordinarily be enough to secure a victory. Edwards did everything possible to keep Minnesota alive.
Meleek Thomas made an excellent first impression. Sixteen points on 6-for-10 shooting in his NBA debut is impressive, particularly considering how his early scoring helped Cleveland while the team struggled offensively.
Minnesota’s turnovers were costly. Despite winning the rebounding battle 65–57, dominating points in the paint 58–44, and holding a 26–14 advantage in second-chance points, the Timberwolves committed 18 turnovers compared with Cleveland’s 10.
Cleveland’s three-point shooting made the difference. The Cavaliers finished 18-for-45 from beyond the arc, while Minnesota connected on 13 of 39 attempts. Those additional perimeter baskets helped offset Minnesota’s substantial interior advantage.
The Cavaliers improve to 2–1, while the Timberwolves fall to 3–1.
Final: Cleveland Cavaliers 127, Minnesota Timberwolves 125 (OT).
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