The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets 117–107 on the road. The win was particularly impressive given that Minnesota was without injured star Anthony Edwards, while Houston entered the contest as the Western Conference leaders with a 7–1 record. In the first meeting between the two sides this season, the Timberwolves locked down the fourth quarter to claim victory.
Houston lost control in the fourth quarter
Minnesota made the better start, taking the first quarter 33–30. Houston responded in the second period, outscoring their opponents 27–24 to level the game. The Rockets also edged the third quarter 27–25 and carried a narrow lead into the final frame.
The Timberwolves tightened up defensively and took control in the fourth quarter. Ayo Dosunmu and LaMelo Ball spearheaded the offense as Minnesota won the period 35–23, turning a deficit into a ten-point victory. The Rockets found no adequate answers to the away team's increased intensity and varied pick-and-roll attack.
Dosunmu and Ball made the difference
Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 21 points, six assists and one rebound, sharing game-high scoring honours with Kevin Durant. LaMelo Ball chipped in with 20 points, five assists and two rebounds. Both guards shouldered additional responsibility in the backcourt in the absence of Anthony Edwards.
Nah'Shon Hyland also made a significant contribution, finishing with 19 points, four assists and two rebounds. Jaden McDaniels rounded out a balanced team effort with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Dosunmu had joined Minnesota from the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2026–27 season, while LaMelo Ball arrived via trade from the Charlotte Hornets and was set to form the starting backcourt alongside Anthony Edwards.
Şengün records triple-double in defeat
On the Houston side, Alperen Şengün stood out despite the loss. The center posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Kevin Durant also finished with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The team statistics underlined the decisive difference in ball security: Houston committed 22 turnovers to Minnesota's 17. The Timberwolves also connected on 14 three-pointers from 34 attempts and recorded 26 assists. Houston made 13 three-pointers from 35 attempts but, despite a better free throw percentage, lacked the offensive stability needed in the fourth quarter.
For Minnesota, the result sent a clear statement in the first league meeting of the season against Houston. The Rockets were unable to protect home court despite strong individual performances from Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, falling 107–117.
