Julius Randle capped a stunning comeback with a go-ahead jumper with 8.8 seconds left in overtime, finishing off a 15-0 closing run to lift the Timberwolves past the Rockets 110-108 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota pulled off one of the most improbable rallies in recent memory, overcoming a 13-point deficit in overtime — the largest such comeback since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1997.
Randle, who scored all 24 of his points after halftime, delivered when it mattered most but nearly saw the game slip away. He fouled Kevin Durant on a drive with 3.3 seconds remaining, sending the Rockets star to the line. After Houston had started a perfect 23-for-23 on free throws, Durant missed his first attempt. He intentionally missed the second trying to extend the possession, but the Rockets were unable to get a final shot off.
Durant finished with 30 points, matching Alperen Şengün, as the duo fueled a late push. Houston used a 12-0 run late in regulation to erase an 11-point deficit and take the lead, then opened overtime with 13 straight points before Minnesota flipped the script with its game-ending surge.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 25 points before exiting with an apparent leg injury. Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Naz Reid chipped in 14 points and 13 boards before being ejected. Minnesota was also without Anthony Edwards, continuing its strong play despite the absence of its star.
By the final moments, the Timberwolves were severely shorthanded, with Gobert fouled out, Reid ejected, and Ayo Dosunmu sidelined, yet still found a way to complete the comeback.
Durant also reached a milestone despite the loss, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki for eighth place on the NBA’s all-time field goals made list.
Up next: The Rockets travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, while the Timberwolves return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
