Anthony Edwards scored 45 in Wednesday's 131-106 win at Miami, and ESPN noted that he joined Chamberlain and Jordan with another 40-point opener. The number that best describes how Minnesota won belongs to Rudy Gobert, and the Wolves take it to Orlando on October 23.
The Quiet Plus-29
Gobert went 0-for-2 from the floor and finished with the best plus-minus on the team. His 15 rebounds anchored a defense that held Miami to 22 third-quarter points and to a biggest lead of four. Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga had seven steals between them. Giannis Antetokounmpo still scored 35 on 13-of-19, so the work around him mattered more than the work on him.
Second Stop, Different Frontcourt
Friday is Minnesota's second straight road game. Orlando lost its opener and lists Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac as day-to-day, with Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson out. Last season Sean Sweeney's team went 45-37 with a 113.6 defensive rating, behind Paolo Banchero's 22.2 points and Desmond Bane's 20.1. Wendell Carter Jr. and Nikola Vucevic give the Magic bodies to throw at Gobert on the glass.
The Bench Ledger
The starters scored 100 of Minnesota's points, and Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. supplied most of the 26 that came off the bench. Joan Beringer was minus-7 in 14 minutes and Trey Lyles minus-3 in 12. With Donte DiVincenzo's Achilles expected to keep him out until April 2, the second unit has no veteran guard to lean on. A 25-point win hides that. A close game in Orlando would not.
When do the Timberwolves play the Magic?
Minnesota plays at Orlando on October 23, its second road game of the season. The Wolves then host Toronto on October 25.
Is Donte DiVincenzo playing for the Timberwolves?
No. DiVincenzo is out with a right Achilles problem and is expected back around April 2, 2027.
