On February 6, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a commanding 127-108 victory over the short-handed Chicago Bulls at the Target Center, driven by the standout performance of Anthony Edwards.
Edwards lit up the court, scoring 49 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including 20 points during the third quarter alone. His stellar performance was pivotal for the Timberwolves, who were eager to snap a two-game losing streak.
Starting the game with intensity, Minnesota stormed to an impressive 27-6 lead right out of the gate. Naz Reid supported Edwards with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Rudy Gobert contributed with 10 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing the depth of the Timberwolves' roster. Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each added 12 points to the team's total as well.
Despite the early dominance, the Bulls, playing on the second night of back-to-back games, fought back. Coby White led the Bulls with 20 points, and Josh Giddey added 19 points to keep the contest competitive. Chicago's Nikola Vucevic also made his mark with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The visitors managed to trim the Timberwolves' lead to just four points by the start of the final frame, with halftime seeing the Timberwolves at 62-60 up. It was the kind of back-and-forth contest where every lead change felt significant, particularly for the Bulls, who were missing key players due to trade decisions and injuries.
Edwards had been the key for Minnesota throughout the match. He executed beautifully on the court, shooting 13 of 28 from the field, 6 of 14 from beyond the arc, and hitting 17 of 18 free throws. He had 19 points at halftime, and his attacking style revitalized the Timberwolves after allowing Chicago's surprising comeback.
After tying the game 82-82 with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Edwards completed three straight scoring plays, underlining his leadership and offensive prowess. Minnesota entered the fourth quarter with momentum, determined not to relinquish their lead.
Once the final quarter commenced, the Timberwolves set their feet firmly on the gas, outscoring the Bulls 33-18 to bring home the victory. Edwards iced the game with another three-point play, followed by driving layups which cemented their double-digit lead.
Despite the impressive final score, questions linger for the Timberwolves, particularly as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The team has delivered bright performances this season, but inconsistencies have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. "Nothing Minnesota does is easy; it’s the theme of the 2024-25 Timberwolves campaign," one source noted.
While the Timberwolves demonstrated their potential with this victory, they also displayed vulnerabilities—especially as they allowed the Bulls to recover from what was initially their largest deficit. Consequently, the Minnesota front office faces pressing decisions about the roster, especially with injuries hampering their lineup and results wavering.
On the flip side, the Bulls finished the game reflecting on its strategic missteps, particularly during the first half, where they appeared lackadaisical against the aggressive Timberwolves. With trade moves on the horizon, Chicago's performance, though determined, is indicative of the uncertain future they now face.
Moving forward, the Timberwolves must find consistency if they hope to build on this success and solidify their status as contenders. With the imminent trade decisions looming over the organization, the next games will be telling of Minnesota's true potential—both as individuals and as a team.
Through it all, Anthony Edwards continues to shine brightly, proving himself as the heartbeat of this Timberwolves squad, and as they navigate the upcoming challenges, his contributions will be ever more pivotal.