D'Angelo Russell sealed the game, a 109-107 victory, for the Timberwolves with his clutch layup.
DLO TAKES THE LEAD!! pic.twitter.com/a9n6Zs6XqV
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) January 26, 2022
But the Timberwolves wouldn't have been in that position if it wasn't for the young star in Anthony Edwards.
The 20-year-old exploded for 40 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter, which helped Minnesota win consecutive games in Portland for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
He also stuffed the stat sheet with nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks but zero assists.
Anthony Edwards tonight:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 26, 2022
40 PTS
0 AST
He joins Carmelo Anthony as the only players 20 years or younger to score 40+ without dishing an assist. pic.twitter.com/vWfiJaYHD1
This is the second 40-point game of his season and fourth of his career, tying him for the second-most games of 40 or more for players before turning 21 years.
Most 40-point games before turning 21, all-time:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 26, 2022
8 — LeBron James
4 — Kevin Durant
4 — Luka Doncic
4 — Anthony Edwards
(Submitted by @DeePee30) pic.twitter.com/hZUoALkRnB
"He has that mentality. He believes he can win any battle, any game, any matchup," Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said postgame. "We've seen a few of these type of performances this season. Not only did he have the 40, but when we needed it most, he was making big shots."
Timberwolves made their big comeback run in the third quarter, after they trailed by their maximum of 13 points, by outscoring the hosts 27-12 over the final nine minutes of the period.
Their fight helped them lead by their largest margin of seven with four minutes to go, however, they seemed to have let go of the rope as CJ McCollum tied things up with 10.2 seconds remaining.
In the end, they held their nerve and won on that goaltending call. This comeback victory is Minnesota's 24th of the season, taking them past their tally of 23 from last season.
