Timberwolves Overtime Comeback: Minnesota Erases 13-Point Deficit to Beat Rockets

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 110-108 victory over the Rockets using a 15-0 run to complete the largest overtime comeback since 1997.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (45-28) orchestrated a historic 110-108 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night at Target Center, fueled by a game-closing 15-0 run. Trailing by 13 points with less than two minutes elapsed in the overtime period, Minnesota overcame the largest extra-session deficit recorded in the NBA since play-by-play logging began in the 1997-98 season. Julius Randle led the second-half surge with 24 points, all scored after halftime, including the go-ahead pull-up shot with 8.8 seconds remaining. This win moves the Timberwolves to within a half-game of the Denver Nuggets (46-28) for the fourth seed in the Western Conference and creates a 1.5-game cushion over the Rockets (43-29).

Minnesota’s resilience was tested as they played without five of their top seven rotation players during the critical rally. Anthony Edwards missed his fifth consecutive game due to knee trouble, while backup Ayo Dosunmu was sidelined by a sore calf. Despite these absences, the Timberwolves built an 11-point lead with 3:30 left in regulation before Houston responded. Jaden McDaniels contributed 25 points and primary defensive coverage on Kevin Durant before a leg injury forced him out late in the fourth quarter. Rudy Gobert anchored the interior with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks before fouling out. The situation worsened in overtime when Naz Reid was ejected by official Scott Foster following an offensive foul call.

Record-Breaking 15-0 Scoring Run

The momentum shifted after Alperen Sengun’s dunk gave the Rockets a 108-95 lead, concluding a 26-2 Houston run that appeared to seal the game. Mike Conley, starting in place of the injured Edwards and Dosunmu, ignited the response with a three-pointer at the 2:45 mark of overtime. Kyle Anderson then provided a crucial sequence by tipping in a missed layup from Randle, drawing a foul on Sengun, and completing the three-point play. The Timberwolves' defense intensified, forcing an eight-second violation as Houston failed to advance the ball past the half-court line.

Donte DiVincenzo capitalized on the defensive pressure, scoring a layup off an assist from Anderson to bring the deficit to five. Following a missed shot by Sengun at the rim, Randle secured the rebound and drove the length of the floor for a layup, making the score 108-105 with 1:34 on the clock. DiVincenzo then leveled the game with a three-pointer. After another missed jumper by Sengun, Randle’s final bucket gave Minnesota the 110-108 advantage. The Rockets had a final chance when Randle was whistled for a foul on Durant with 3.3 seconds left, but the Rockets star missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second to try and regain possession.

Defensive Adjustments and Tactical Shifts

Coach Chris Finch navigated the final minutes by deploying Kyle Anderson and Julius Randle to share defensive duties on Kevin Durant after McDaniels departed the floor. The Timberwolves struggled with officiating throughout the night, attempting only 10 free throws despite recording 63 shots in the paint. Conversely, the Rockets were 23-for-23 from the free-throw line prior to Durant’s final misses. Finch noted that his team "stole it right back" after nearly allowing Houston to take a game he felt Minnesota controlled for the majority of regulation.

This victory evened the season series between the two Western Conference rivals at 1-1. The outcome has significant implications for playoff positioning, as the Timberwolves now hold a tiebreaker advantage over Houston heading into their next matchup on April 10. The win was achieved despite the team losing its primary rim protector in Gobert and its most versatile bench scorer in Reid during the overtime period.

Statistical Leaders and Standings Impact

Julius Randle’s 24-point performance was complemented by the defensive efficiency of the remaining starters. The Timberwolves' ability to maintain focus despite the departure of McDaniels, Gobert, and Reid allowed them to overcome a Rockets squad that had briefly taken total control of the game. Minnesota's 45-28 record keeps them firmly in the hunt for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Rudy Gobert described the win as a "blueprint" for a championship-caliber team, emphasizing the need to overcome adversity. The Timberwolves' defensive stand in the final three minutes of overtime held Houston scoreless, a feat that erased the 108-95 lead Sengun had established. The Rockets' inability to score over the final 165 seconds of play proved the difference in the two-point final margin.