Late Surge Decides Tight Contest
The Minnesota Timberwolves claimed a 117-107 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Toyota Center. The game was defined by a decisive fourth-quarter push from the visitors, who outscored Houston 35-23 in the final period to pull away from a closely contested matchup.
Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 21 points and six assists, while Jonathan Kuminga provided the crucial spark late in the game to secure the win for the team from Minnesota.
Rockets Show Resilience in First Half
Houston, playing at home before an attendance of 18,055, started strong, taking a 30-28 lead after the first quarter. Kevin Durant paced the Rockets with 21 points, while Alperen Sengun anchored the interior with 12 rebounds and 10 assists. The teams traded leads throughout the first half, with the Rockets maintaining a 57-55 advantage at the break.
Sengun’s playmaking was a constant threat, distributing the ball effectively to keep Houston within striking distance despite the Timberwolves’ defensive pressure.
Fourth Quarter Breaks the Deadlock
The third quarter saw the Timberwolves reassert control, ending the period with a 79-84 deficit for Houston. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter. Minnesota’s offense clicked, with Dosunmu and Kuminga combining for a flurry of scoring plays.
Kuminga hit key three-pointers and finished at the rim, helping the Timberwolves build an insurmountable lead. The Rockets’ offense stalled, managed by Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr., but they could not overcome the surge from the visitors.
Final Records and Context
The victory improves the Minnesota Timberwolves’ record to 6-3, while the Houston Rockets drop to 7-2. The game featured significant contributions from both teams’ key players, but the Timberwolves’ ability to execute in the final minutes proved decisive. Rudy Gobert added 11 rebounds for Minnesota, providing a strong presence on the glass.
The result highlights the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance before the Timberwolves closed it out.
Sources
ESPN
