Kevin Durant Drops 39 as Rockets Beat Timberwolves 110-105/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kevin Durant delivered a season-high 39 points, including four clutch free throws in the final minute, to lead the Houston Rockets past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-105. Alperen Sengun contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out. The Timberwolves were without star guard Anthony Edwards, and despite Julius Randle’s 39-point night, fell short in the final stretch.
Durant’s Season High Powers Rockets Past Timberwolves: Quick Looks
- Kevin Durant scored a season-best 39 points, hitting six 3-pointers.
- Durant’s late free throws sealed a 110-105 win for Houston.
- Alperen Sengun added 25 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out.
- Julius Randle scored 39 for the Timberwolves, tying Durant’s total.
- Anthony Edwards missed his second game with a foot injury.
- Naz Reid contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Minnesota.
- Free throw struggles plagued both teams, with Houston going 20-for-34 and Minnesota 20-for-35.
- Rudy Gobert shot just 2-for-10 from the line in a critical stretch.
- Timberwolves have now scored 100+ points in 100 straight games, the NBA’s third-longest streak.
- Rockets bounced back after a blowout loss to Oklahoma City the previous night.
Deep Look: Kevin Durant’s Season-High 39 Points Lift Rockets Over Timberwolves in Clutch Victory
HOUSTON (AP) — Kevin Durant reminded everyone why he’s still one of the NBA’s premier closers, delivering a season-high 39 points — and most importantly, four clutch free throws in the final minute — as the Houston Rockets edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 on Friday night.
After a disappointing performance against the Thunder just 24 hours earlier, Durant bounced back in emphatic fashion. He knocked down six 3-pointers, also a season best, and led a Houston offense that found rhythm when it mattered most. The win allowed the Rockets to rebound from Thursday night’s lopsided defeat to Oklahoma City, where Durant had gone 0-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Fourth-Quarter Clutch Performance
Durant’s ability to stay calm under pressure was the difference in a tight game down the stretch. With under a minute remaining, and the Rockets clinging to a two-point lead, Durant stepped to the line and hit two crucial free throws to extend the gap to 107-103. Moments later, a costly turnover by Julius Randle gave the Rockets possession again, and Durant was fouled once more. He calmly sank two more shots from the stripe, pushing Houston ahead by five with 22.1 seconds left and effectively ending the Timberwolves’ comeback hopes.
The Rockets had led by as many as seven in the fourth quarter after a powerful dunk from Alperen Sengun, but Minnesota clawed back with a 6-2 run, including four points from Randle, who had himself a season-high 39 points. Sengun fouled out shortly after, and Jaden McDaniels made one of two free throws, trimming the Rockets’ lead to just two with 1:30 left.
Durant, however, was unfazed.
Sengun’s Double-Double Makes an Impact
Before fouling out, Alperen Sengun delivered a strong performance in the paint, recording 25 points and 14 rebounds. His presence on both ends of the floor helped Houston control the tempo through much of the game, especially after a sluggish start.
Sengun’s dunk with just over 3½ minutes remaining made it 103-96, giving the Rockets just enough cushion to survive Minnesota’s late push. Though his foul trouble hurt in the final stretch, his early production proved vital.
Timberwolves Fall Short Without Edwards
The Timberwolves were once again without star guard Anthony Edwards, who missed his second straight game due to a foot injury. In his absence, Julius Randle stepped up, pouring in 39 points and carrying Minnesota’s offense for most of the night.
Naz Reid added firepower off the bench with 25 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his impressive sixth-man role. Yet even with both big men producing, Minnesota couldn’t overcome their inefficiency at the free-throw line and key turnovers late in the fourth.
Rudy Gobert’s night from the line was particularly damaging, as the center made just 2 of 10 free throws — a brutal stat in a close contest where every point counted. Gobert’s misses helped keep Houston in front, even as the Timberwolves created second-chance opportunities.
Free Throw Woes on Both Sides
While the Rockets came away with the win, free throw shooting was a glaring issue for both teams. Houston went just 20-for-34 from the line, while Minnesota shot 20-for-35. The missed chances added tension to an already tight game, leaving both coaches with plenty to address moving forward.
Despite those struggles, it was Durant’s performance — particularly in crunch time — that ultimately separated the teams.
Historic Scoring Streak for Minnesota
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves reached 100 points for the 100th consecutive game, marking the third-longest such streak in NBA history. It’s a testament to the team’s offensive consistency, even if defensive lapses and missed free throws cost them this one.
What’s Next?
- Timberwolves: Visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
- Rockets: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
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