Adroit, it is Anthony Edwards who launches the Wolves into the game. With his award-winning baskets, the All-Star guard compensates for Minnesota's lost balls, while Alperen Sengun is already making his presence felt (21-22). Minnesota's ball circulation is very good at times, and the attack manages to offer open shots, especially for Donte DiVincenzo. This explains the lead at the break, against a more sluggish Texan team (52-57).
Fred VanVleet revives his teammates in the third quarter with two winning baskets in a row when Alperen Sengun dominates Rudy Gobert. The Rockets reversed the trend (84-76) and drove home the point at the start of the last act. The defensive energy is much stronger, Aaron Holiday steals balls and the gap is made, without the presence of the Turk on the floor. The Wolves are then thought to be defeated.
But they continue to play. And with the baskets of Julius Randle, the efforts of Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards, they come back. They are helped by the clumsiness of Sengun, who drops two free throws at the worst time. It's perfect for Edwards, who hits a 3-pointer to give him a point lead.
Fred VanVleet misses the match point and Minnesota wins 112-113, to offer itself a second victory in a row after that – also snatched in the last moments – at Christmas.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Anthony Edwards hits early and late. With 13 points in the first quarter, we only saw him at the start of the game for the Wolves. Then, as the minutes passed, he disappeared. Especially in the third quarter, with only one small point scored. And before his decisive shot, he had only scored 4 units in the second half. But this shoot saves the furniture for him and the Wolves, who got off to a bad start in the last act. He finished with 24 points at 9/17 on the shoot and 4/8 on 3-pts. Not a great match then, but the action of a boss and a leader at the best of times, and that changes everything.
– Alperen Sengun breaks down at the wrong time. Throughout the game, and despite Rudy Gobert's efforts to contain him, the Turk found the solutions. With his feints but also his muscles, he constantly overwhelmed the Frenchman, often powerless against the 38 points at 16/25 shooting from inside the Rockets. Nevertheless, this 6/10 for free throws remains in the head, especially when we miss two attempts in the last 70 seconds which thus offer precious ammunition to the Wolves, which will be well used by Edwards.
– End of series for Houston. This setback for the Texans puts an end to their good streak. They remained on four straight victories since the defeat in the NBA Cup semi-finals against Oklahoma City. And this is the worst way to start this sequence of home matches (five in a row) which will last until January 5, 2025.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
