Edwards was the fourth-youngest NBA player to surpass the 2,500-point mark. He made his first basket. The second-year forward, who is 20 years old and 192 days, is the first. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James are the only younger players who have achieved this feat.
The Timberwolves ended a two-game losing streak overall, and a three game losing streak at Indiana. They are now trying to finish amongst the top six Western Conference teams and avoid the play in round.
Edwards hit seven 3-pointers, had five rebounds and four assists on a day Karl Anthony Towns was in foul trouble. He also stole four basketballs.
Edwards’ guard Patrick Beverley stated, “When he plays that well, we are a tough team.” “I loved the way he played tonight. It put the pressure on them throughout the night. He’s difficult to guard, and it can be anyone’s night.
Oshae Britt scored 22 points for the season and tied his career-high with 13 rebounds. This was Indiana’s sixth consecutive loss.
Minnesota’s depth and size made the difference.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach, said that “Against a group that had all their players and was playing very well and very talented we did some positive things to hang around” and gave himself a chance in the fourth. “There are some positive things, and some that need improvement. “We’re running out of bodies right now.”
Indiana opened the game with a fast scoring frenzy, but the Timberwolves reduced the deficit to just 37 points at the quarter’s end. The Timberwolves took control in the second quarter. Malik Beasley’s 3 pointer gave the Timberwolves the lead. This spurred a 13-0 run which allowed the Timberwolves to take a 56-44 advantage.
The Pacers regrouped and extended the lead to 18 in the second period. In the final minute Indiana was down to 96-94. It made it a game of two points again in the third quarter. Terry Taylor opened the fourth quarter with two free throws. Minnesota responded with an 8-2 run.
TIP-INS
Timberwolves: Towns scored 15 points and had 13 rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell scored 23 points and had six assists. … Beverley, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels each scored 13 points. Beasley had 10. … Minnesota was 18 out of 34 ons 3-s. … With 41 points in the second quarter, the Timberwolves tied their season record. … Minnesota has scored at most 100 points in the third quarter ten times this season.
Pacers: Lance Stephenson scored 21 points. Jalen Smith scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds. Buddy Hield scored 13 points. Terry Taylor had 10 points and five assists. Haliburton was credited with 10 assists during the first half. Minnesota swept Indiana in the series for the first-time since 2006-07. … Indiana is now at 13-17 after losing four consecutive home games.
MORE INJURY TROUBLE
Injuries to key rotational players, including three starters, have left Indiana shorthanded for several weeks. These woes only get worse. After Isaiah Jackson, a rookie big man, was injured on Friday night and the Pacers lost Chris Duarte, a rookie guard, in the first quarter with a jammed foot. Carlisle stated that Duarte will not be returning before the All Star break.
UP NEXT
Timberwolves: Charlotte hosts the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Pacers: Visit Milwaukee on Tuesday.
