Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Minnesota TimberwolvesOpen full analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Houston Rockets 110–108 on March 25 at Target Center in a defensive battle that fell short of the Vegas total of 223.5 points. J. McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points while J. Randle added 24, though the Timberwolves shot just 41.7 percent from the field and made 13 three-pointers. Houston countered with a potent scoring duo: K. Durant and A. Sengun each posted 30 points, but the Rockets' 20 turnovers proved costly down the stretch. Minnesota's fourth-quarter execution—25 points in the period—proved decisive, and the home team's defense held firm despite Houston shooting 40.9 percent and dominating the glass with 54 rebounds to Minnesota's 49. The Timberwolves' 11 steals highlighted their perimeter intensity, while Houston's offensive rating of 100.9 couldn't overcome a turnover-plagued night. Minnesota's narrow victory in a low-scoring affair underscores their growing defensive identity heading into the playoff stretch.
