Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combine for 65 points in thrilling win over the Kings.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Anthony Edwards sank two free throws with just 2.4 seconds left, leading the Timberwolves to a 117-115 victory over the Kings on Thursday night and spoiling Sacramento’s season opener.
Edwards was fouled by Domantas Sabonis while driving to the basket with the score tied, and he coolly converted the free throws to finish with 32 points. The Kings’ Keegan Murray missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
Julius Randle topped Minnesota’s scoring effort with 33 points in his second game following a trade from New York earlier this month.
For Sacramento, Demar DeRozan scored 26 points in his debut after joining the team in a sign-and-trade deal from Chicago this summer. Sabonis contributed 24 points, while Murray added 23.
Key takeaways
Timberwolves: Minnesota managed a split after its season-opening trip to California, bouncing back from a loss to the Lakers earlier in the week. Randle played more aggressively in this game, improving from only taking 10 shots in the opener.
Kings: Sacramento has now lost its last six season openers at home, the last victory dating back to 2013 against the Denver Nuggets.
Key moment
Edwards and Naz Reid’s consecutive 3-pointers initiated an 11-0 run for Minnesota, allowing them to overcome a five-point deficit and establish a 105-99 lead midway through the final quarter.
Key stat
After struggling with a 13-for-41 shooting performance from beyond the arc in their opener, Minnesota improved to 20 for 50 against Sacramento. The Timberwolves’ total of 91 attempted 3-pointers in their first two games is a franchise record.
Up next
The Timberwolves will host the Toronto Raptors for their home opener on Saturday night, while the Kings will head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on the same day.