Edwards Scores 49 as Timberwolves Overcome Bulls

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 49 points, including 20 in the third quarter, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the short-handed Chicago Bulls 127-108 on Wednesday night.

Edwards made six 3-pointers and shot 17 of 18 from the free-throw line while also contributing nine rebounds. His performance tied him with Kevin Garnett for the second-most 30-point games and Karl-Anthony Towns for the most 40-point games in Timberwolves history.

Naz Reid added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert chipped in with 10 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota. Coby White led the Bulls with 20 points, and Nikola Vucevic recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulls faced significant challenges, missing key players including center Zach Collins, swingman Kevin Huerter, and guard Tre Jones following a trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento and De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Chicago was also without point guard Lonzo Ball, who was managing a left knee injury on the second night of a back-to-back.

Despite the early struggles, Chicago rallied after Minnesota jumped out to a quick 22-4 lead. The Timberwolves had a commanding 21-point advantage midway through the first quarter, but the Bulls fought back, igniting their own momentum.

After the Bulls took an 82-79 lead with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter, Edwards stepped up decisively. Following a Minnesota timeout, he drained a 3-pointer and displayed remarkable defense by blocking an attempted shot on the other end. Though he missed another 3-point attempt, Edwards secured an offensive rebound and followed with a putback, converting the free throw to give Minnesota a 3-point lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Overall, the Timberwolves shot 9 of 16 on 3-pointers in the first quarter, marking a season high for any quarter this year. This victory was crucial for Minnesota, who recently suffered two consecutive losses to Washington and Sacramento.

Next up, the Bulls will host Golden State on Saturday, while the Timberwolves will take on Houston at home on Thursday night.