Anthony Edwards defied pre-game doubts, erupting for an impressive 41 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 121-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Anthony Edwards Erupts for 41 as Timberwolves Top Blazers

Despite battling right knee soreness, Anthony Edwards stepped up big for the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves. "At the last second, I thought I wouldn't play," he admitted. "But I decided to try it out, and it felt good." His scoring prowess proved pivotal, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns struggling due to early foul trouble.

Beyond Edwards' heroics, Rudy Gobert added a solid double-double (16 points, 15 rebounds), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 18 points off the bench, including four crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter. This collective effort helped Minnesota overcome a determined Blazers team, who were looking to snap their five-game losing streak.

Edwards' offensive masterclass began early, pouring in 18 points in the first quarter alone. This offensive surge propelled the Timberwolves to a comfortable 37-25 lead. However, the Blazers fought back, gradually chipping away at the deficit. Deandre Ayton (22 points, 16 rebounds) led the charge for Portland, but Anthony Edwards remained unfazed.

A clutch three-pointer by Edwards in the third quarter capped off a 10-2 run, widening the Timberwolves' lead to 72-62. Despite Portland briefly taking the lead early in the fourth, Minnesota regained control, thanks in part to Alexander-Walker's fourth three-pointer of the quarter, pushing the score to 102-90. The Timberwolves eventually extended their lead to 20 points, securing a crucial victory and solidifying their position atop the Western Conference.

Can He Lead Them Past Blazers Again?

This win was particularly impressive considering the Timberwolves were playing on a back-to-back after a victory over the Clippers the night before. The shorthanded Blazers, still reeling from the offseason departure of Damian Lillard, missed the contributions of Malcolm Brogdon due to injury. While Anfernee Simons returned after an ankle sprain and Scoot Henderson recovered from a foot injury, their efforts weren't enough to overcome the inspired Timberwolves, led by the unstoppable Anthony Edwards.

Edwards' 41-point performance marks his 20th game this season with at least 30 points and his second with 40 or more. His scoring prowess has been a key factor in the Timberwolves' success, and his resilience in overcoming physical challenges further cements his status as a rising star in the NBA. With Edwards leading the charge, the Timberwolves look poised to continue their dominance in the Western Conference.

Read our blog to be connected with real time news.

Follow us on our social networks for better updates Instagram;  Facebook;  X

img via : USA TODAY SPORTS