The Timberwolves were beaten decisively both times they met Cleveland last season, as Minnesota had no answers for the Cavaliers’ dynamic offense.
The tables were turned Thursday at Target Center.
Minnesota delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season.
The Wolves shot 57% from the field while making 20 triples on a night when all five starters scored in double figures, with four of them recording 22-plus points.
Anthony Edwards finished with 25 points, a season-high nine assists and seven rebounds. Julius Randle had 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight dimes. Donte DiVincenzo scored 22 points, while Jaden McDaniels had 26 points on a hyper-efficient 11 for 14 shooting performance.
Thirty-three of Minnesota’s 51 buckets were assisted.
“It’s fun when we play like this, so connected,” Randle said in his postgame, on-court interview.
The Timberwolves (25-13) have now won four straight.
“I just think we’re focused as a group,” Randle said. “We’re starting to realize how good we can be, and it’s up to us to come out and prove it every night.”
The performance was highlighted by a volcanic third quarter in which the Wolves scored 43 points while shooting 70% from the field, including 7 for 9 from distance as they turned a four-point halftime deficit into a 17-point lead through three quarters.
Cleveland (pushed back in the fourth to make it interesting, getting to within four at multiple points in the closing minutes as Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill poured in a barrage of triples.
But the Wolves closed the door with good ball movement that resulted in a couple good looks for McDaniels, who put the game on ice.
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