The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 117-107 road win over the Houston Rockets on November 5, 2026, behind Anthony Edwards’ scoring burst and a dominant rebounding performance from Rudy Gobert. Minnesota pulled away in the third quarter and answered every Houston run with timely shot-making, handing the Rockets a frustrating home defeat.

Match overview

Houston started with energy, using Alperen Sengun’s post play and Kevin Durant’s midrange scoring to build an early cushion. Minnesota weathered the initial push and took control late in the second quarter. The Timberwolves then opened the third with a sustained run that shifted the game’s momentum for good.

• First quarter: Timberwolves 30, Rockets 24
• Second quarter: Rockets 29, Timberwolves 28
• Third quarter: Timberwolves 31, Rockets 26
• Fourth quarter: Rockets 28, Timberwolves 28
• Final: Timberwolves 117, Rockets 107

Key moments

The decisive stretch came midway through the third quarter. With Minnesota leading 72-68, Edwards scored eight straight points on a driving layup, a pull-up three, and a transition dunk. Julius Randle followed with a tough and-one in the paint, and Gobert cleaned up a miss on the next possession. The run pushed the lead to 15 and forced Houston into a timeout. The Rockets trimmed the deficit to seven in the fourth, but Edwards answered with a step-back jumper and then assisted on a corner three from Donte DiVincenzo.

Houston had chances late, but Minnesota’s defensive rebounding limited second-chance opportunities. Gobert’s presence at the rim also forced the Rockets into contested floaters and outside shots.

Tactical story

Minnesota’s size was the defining tactical advantage. Gobert controlled the glass, and the Timberwolves repeatedly denied Houston clean looks at the rim. Edwards drew extra attention on drives, creating open catch-and-shoot opportunities for DiVincenzo and Naz Reid. Randle’s physicality gave Minnesota a second creator who could punish smaller defenders when Houston switched.

Houston’s offense was at its best when Sengun operated from the elbow and Durant attacked from the mid-post. Amen Thompson provided energy and pace, but the Rockets struggled to match Minnesota’s rebounding intensity. Houston also had costly empty possessions in the third quarter, going nearly four minutes without a field goal during Minnesota’s decisive run.

Standout players

• Anthony Edwards (MIN): 32 points, 7 rebounds, controlled the game late.
• Julius Randle (MIN): 24 points, 10 rebounds, physical interior scoring.
• Rudy Gobert (MIN): 14 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks.
• Donte DiVincenzo (MIN): 15 points, several timely threes.
• Alperen Sengun (HOU): 25 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists.
• Kevin Durant (HOU): 23 points, 6 rebounds.
• Amen Thompson (HOU): 18 points, 8 rebounds, high-energy defense.

Season impact

The victory gives Minnesota a quality road win and reinforces its ability to win in different ways. When Edwards scores efficiently and Gobert dominates the glass, the Timberwolves are difficult to beat even on nights when their three-point shooting is uneven. Houston, meanwhile, showed plenty of offensive promise through Sengun and Durant, but the Rockets’ rebounding and third-quarter execution remain areas to clean up.

In the broader Western Conference standings, this result matters. Minnesota’s 117-107 win is the kind of road performance that builds credibility, while Houston’s loss serves as a reminder that talent alone is not enough against a team committed to controlling the paint and the boards.