THE Minnesota Timberwolves took the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time this season on Friday. Cities of Karl-Anthony was deemed inactive a few hours before the match, but the underrated Naz Reid would have had a bump within minutes without “KAT.” A Minnesota victory would give them more of a lead against Oklahoma, which is trying to chase them for the best record in the West.
The Cavaliers were also short-handed as they opened the game without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland had to be confident heading into the game after beating the Boston Celtics 105-104 on Tuesday without “Spida.”
Anthony Edwards had a hot first quarter for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He already had nine points while none of his teammates had more than five. “Ant-Man” was aggressive early on in Towns’ absence.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers relied on a more balanced attack with four starters scoring at least three points while the bench also contributed. Georges Niang came out firing, hitting 3 of 4 shots, including 2 of 3 from deep. The Cavs led 25-23 after the first 12 minutes of the game ended.
Edwards struggled in the second quarter, but it was Naz Reid who took over. He had 13 points off the Minnesota bench to help spark the Timberwolves. TJ Warren also did his part by adding six.
Darius Garland exploded in said period for the Cavaliers. Without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, he looked for his shots more and made 12 in said quarter for a total of 17. Caris LeVert contributed 10 off the bench to help the Cavaliers take a 54-50 lead into midway. -time.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats and Box Scores
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats
Anthony Edwards and Darius Garland 3 points tonight
Anthony Edwards was 0 of 3 on 3-pointers in the first half tonight. Darius Garland was a little better with a 1-for-4 clip from deep during the same stretch.
