Timberwolves Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over Magic

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Anthony Edwards scored 28 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Orlando Magic 118-111 on Friday night, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Facing a 90-82 deficit with just over 10 minutes left in the game, the Timberwolves launched a decisive 13-0 run to seize control.

Donte DiVincenzo ignited the rally with a reverse layup, eventually capping it off with another reverse layup and a driving floater. The Timberwolves, who are vying for a higher playoff position in the Western Conference against Golden State, demonstrated resilience as they responded to Orlando’s attempts to level the score.

“We just wanted to keep pushing until the end,” said Edwards. “Everyone stepped up at crucial moments, and we kept our composure.”

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 43 points and secured 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s fourth-quarter rally. After tying the game at 98 with 3:32 to play, the Timberwolves scored nine straight points to take a commanding lead.

Julius Randle contributed significantly for Minnesota, adding 22 points, while DiVincenzo supported the effort with 14 points and five assists. The Timberwolves improved their record to 19-14 on their home court and 20-15 overall on the road.

“It’s great to see this team trust each other and fight back,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch commented. “We’ve been working hard, and these are the moments we need to capitalize on.”

Orlando held a brief 90-82 lead before the late Timberwolves surge. They were coming off a solid win against New Orleans and entered the game with hopes to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoffs, currently sitting eighth.

“We played well in stretches, but we have to put together a full game,” Banchero stated. “We know what we’re capable of, and we’ll learn from this.”

In total, the Timberwolves shot 52.5 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three-point range, effectively overcoming the Magic’s shooting of 44.9 percent overall. Minnesota outperformed Orlando significantly in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 40-24, after trailing at the end of the third.

The Timberwolves are set to continue their homestand against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, while the Magic will face the Cleveland Cavaliers.