November 4, 2026 | Houston, Texas
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered an impressive road victory Wednesday night, defeating the Houston Rockets 117–107 despite playing without Anthony Edwards.
Facing a Houston team that entered the night with a 7–1 record, Minnesota demonstrated that its offense can still produce against quality opposition. Ayo Dosunmu provided an important scoring presence throughout the contest, while LaMelo Ball took control during a decisive fourth-quarter stretch.
The result was particularly impressive given Houston’s strong start to the season and the presence of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet.
First Quarter: Minnesota Comes Out Aggressive
Minnesota established its offensive intentions immediately, with Ball connecting from three-point range on the opening possession.
Dosunmu followed with consecutive drives to the basket, helping the Timberwolves establish an early advantage. Jonathan Kuminga also contributed from beyond the arc, converting a three-pointer off a Ball assist.
Houston answered through Durant, whose perimeter shooting kept the Rockets within striking distance. Reed Sheppard provided another spark off the bench, hitting two three-pointers during the latter stages of the period.
The opening quarter featured efficient perimeter shooting from both sides, with neither team able to establish lasting control.
Minnesota led 33–30 after one quarter.
Second Quarter: Dosunmu Keeps Minnesota Moving
The second quarter developed into a closely contested exchange, with Houston finding opportunities through Sengun and VanVleet.
Minnesota continued attacking the basket through Dosunmu, whose speed repeatedly created opportunities inside. He converted consecutive layups midway through the quarter to put the Timberwolves ahead 49–46.
One notable sequence came with 5:23 remaining, when Kuminga was assessed a flagrant-one foul against Sengun. The Houston center converted both free throws, helping the Rockets stay close.
VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. subsequently contributed to Houston’s offense, with Smith connecting from three-point range late in the period.
Minnesota responded through its supporting cast. Jaylen Clark converted a jumper off a Ball assist before Dosunmu scored twice in the final minute.
Houston’s Amen Thompson made two free throws at the buzzer, sending the teams into halftime tied.
Halftime: Minnesota 57, Houston 57.
Third Quarter: Houston Takes a Narrow Lead
The Rockets began the second half with renewed offensive pressure, with VanVleet connecting from three-point range and Sengun becoming more involved around the basket.
Minnesota countered through McDaniels, Dosunmu and Bones Hyland.
Sengun scored on consecutive interior opportunities midway through the quarter, including a layup that became a three-point play. Houston continued creating opportunities through its passing and offensive rebounding.
Hyland provided important scoring for Minnesota, hitting a fadeaway jumper to tie the contest at 73–73 before adding a three-pointer late in the quarter.
Tari Eason responded with a three-pointer and a driving layup during the closing minutes, while Sengun contributed another basket inside.
Houston entered the final period with a narrow advantage, setting up a fourth quarter that remained very much in doubt.
End of third quarter: Houston 84, Minnesota 82.
Fourth Quarter: LaMelo Ball Takes Over
Minnesota began the final quarter with Dosunmu attacking the basket and Clark converting a three-pointer.
Houston continued responding through Smith, whose three-pointer and interior scoring helped the Rockets preserve a slim lead.
With the score 94–91 in Houston’s favor and under seven minutes remaining, Ball began changing the game.
He drilled a three-pointer to tie the contest at 94–94 before converting two free throws to bring Minnesota level again at 96–96.
Then came the decisive sequence.
Ball connected on another three-pointer to give Minnesota a 99–96 advantage. After Durant answered with a layup, Ball found Clark for a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 102–98.
Ball followed with a driving finger-roll layup, extending Minnesota’s advantage to 104–98 with 4:53 remaining.
During that 10–2 Minnesota run, Ball directly contributed to every point, scoring seven himself and assisting Clark’s three-pointer.
It was the defining offensive stretch of the night. Rather than allowing Houston to dictate the closing minutes, Minnesota seized control through Ball’s combination of scoring and playmaking.
The Timberwolves protected their advantage down the stretch and completed the 117–107 road victory.
Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 117, Houston Rockets 107.
EST Takeaways
Minnesota is showing its depth. Losing a player of Anthony Edwards’ caliber creates a significant offensive challenge. However, the Timberwolves demonstrated that they can still compete against strong Western Conference opponents.
LaMelo Ball delivered when Minnesota needed him. His fourth-quarter scoring and playmaking changed the direction of a close contest. His direct involvement in every point of the 10–2 run was the game’s defining sequence.
Ayo Dosunmu was essential to Minnesota’s offense. His ability to attack the basket helped keep the Timberwolves competitive before Ball’s late surge.
Houston couldn’t contain Minnesota’s fourth-quarter execution. The Rockets had opportunities to build on their narrow third-quarter advantage but ultimately struggled to stop Minnesota’s late offensive momentum.
For Minnesota, this was more than another regular-season victory. Winning on the road against a Houston team that entered 7–1, without Edwards, provided another encouraging indication of the team’s ability to adapt.
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