A playoff career-high 43 points from Anthony Edwards has allowed Minnesota to draw first blood in their Western Conference semi-final series against reigning NBA champions Denver.
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Edwards was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 25 points, and Naz Reid took over in the fourth quarter when he nailed 14 of his 16 points for the game.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points despite dealing with foul trouble.
Game 2 will take place on Monday night (Tuesday AEST) in Denver.
Three days after undergoing knee surgery, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was on the bench in the second row, behind his assistant Micah Nori, who did the instructing, roaming and switching.
Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic had 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Denver, but also had seven turnovers.
Jamal Murray scored 17 points after being held scoreless in the first half.
Tied at 84, the Timberwolves went on an 18-7 run to break the game open, with Reid scoring 10 straight points for the Timberwolves during that pivotal stretch.
Last year, Minnesota were a tough first-round opponent for Denver despite being without Reid (broken wrist) and Jaden McDaniels (broken hand), and with Karl-Anthony Towns coming off a severe calf strain that had cost him 52 games.
This time around, not a single Timberwolves player was listed on the injury report. And the difference was clear.
Aside from being healthier, the Timberwolves were much better thanks to the dramatic improvement in Edwards' game, Denver coach Michael Malone said.
"There's no weaknesses in his game," Malone said.
"And it's going to be a hell of a challenge trying to slow him down."
Australian Associated Press
