The Timberwolves came into this game on a 2 game winning streak after their win against the Magic. Tonight the Timberwolves needed 3 in a row but more importantly, they needed to get back to a .500 winning percentage. This was one of those trap games and the Timberwolves almost fell for it. The 76ers were without Maxey, Harris, and Harden in this matchup leaving Joel Embiid who’s been on a crazy run right now to do the heavy lifting. The Timberwolves were up by double digits most of the game and the highest they were up tonight was 20. The Timberwolves offense has improved game by game and we are now getting a close look at how the bigs will mesh. The 76ers had no answer for the Timberwolves penetration and lobs to Rudy Gobert throughout this game and it was clear that Minnesota was attacking the paint on purpose tonight.
Minnesota had a 48 to the 36-point differential in the paint and they even got Joel Embiid in a little foul trouble. If Anthony Edwards continues to play with this type of confidence this Wolves team will be tough to beat in the regular season and postseason. Anthony Edwards finished tonight’s game with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Tonight Edwards put the team on his back especially late in the game when Philly got it down to 3 points. The team believes in his growth and they know when Edwards makes plays for them down the stretch that it will be effective most likely for good.
The Philadelphia 76ers had no answer for Anthony Edwards as he was carving them up in the transition and just getting to the basket with ease. When Ant-Man is locked in like this it will be a long night for anyone that’s defending him. The 76ers put multiple defenders on Edwards but it didn’t matter as he had it going tonight. Anthony made the play of the night when the 76ers were down and had a chance to take the lead he had an insane chase-down block against Melton that saved the game. That play right there shows how badly Edwards wants to win and what he’s willing to do to make sure that happens.
D’Angelo Russel and Karl-Anthony Towns had good games tonight and were able to play off the success of Edwards. Towns still showcased why he’s one of the best shooting big men in the NBA and Russell showcased his tough shot-making and his ability to find his teammates in the right spot. The Timberwolves were able to hold Embiid to only 32 points, 6 assists, and 9 rebounds which is a success after the week he’s been going for 40+ every night. The Timberwolves made sure Embiid wasn’t going to beat them as Milton stepped up big time but the 76ers definitely showed they’re missing those players that were out. The Timberwolves head back home to play the Miami Heat on Monday as they look to keep this winning streak alive.
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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