Timberwolves End Heat’s Winning Streak with Dominant Fourth-Quarter Performance
Edwards and Reid Power Minnesota Past Miami
The Miami Heat’s impressive four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Saturday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 125-115 victory at Miami. Anthony Edwards led the charge with 33 points, while Naz Reid contributed 29 points, 20 of which came in the second half, showcasing the offensive firepower that proved too much for the home side to handle.
Decisive Fourth Quarter Surge
The game’s turning point came in the final period when Minnesota outscored Miami 19-4 in the opening 4½ minutes of the fourth quarter, transforming a four-point lead into a commanding 109-90 advantage. Julius Randle recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves.
For Miami, Norman Powell led the scoring with 21 points, but the Heat struggled defensively throughout the contest. Minnesota shot 54% from the field, with the Heat falling to 2-8 when allowing opponents to shoot 50% or better.
Injury Concerns Cloud Heat’s Performance
The Heat’s efforts were hampered by injuries during the match. Norman Powell left in the first quarter with right leg soreness before returning in the second quarter, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. sprained his right ankle after stepping on Randle’s foot and did not return to action.
Historic Milestone for Edwards
The victory held special significance for Anthony Edwards, who became the first player in NBA history to reach 1,200 career three-pointers before turning 25, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite young talents.
Looking Ahead
This result proves crucial for both teams’ trajectories. Minnesota had dropped three of its last four games before Saturday, but improved to 15-1 this season when holding opponents to 112 points or less. For Miami, maintaining consistency at home remains a priority, as the Heat are now 3-5 in their last eight home games. Both teams face back-to-back challenges, testing their depth and resilience as the season progresses.