The Wolves start the year with a win in Miami

Launched by Anthony Edwards who is still so hot on offense, Timberwolves racing into the lead in the first half, only handicapped by losing the ball and a substandard bench Heat. The Heat, who even dominated Rudy Gobert’s rebound, collectively held their own and stayed in touch at the break, despite the half-time lead (56-50).

The debates later become more balanced, especially since they are seeded Miami finally enter their meeting, as Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins. Conversely, Julius Randle and Naz Reed take over the scoring and answer, only to restore order in the Minnesota at the end of the quarter (90-86).

Then there’s a change: at the start of the final act, the Timberwolves go on a 19-4 run that drops the Heat to about twenty points. In the space of four minutes. With Naz Reed as the leader, backed up by Rudy Gobert, Bones Hyland, Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo. It’s a “run” that changes everything and Anthony Edwards finally returns to finish the job, offering a peaceful finish to the match for his team (125-115).

Unsustainable already nine matches, Anthony Edwards brings another quality performance (33 points), leaving Naz Reid (29 points) makes a difference coming off the bench, with a Julius Randle efficient in the shadows (23 points, 10 rebounds).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– The run puts Minnesota in the final act. We felt the Timberwolves were on top, but not enough to seriously distance the Heat. Until the start of the fourth quarter, when Chris Finch’s men went on a terrifying 19-4 run to put the Floridians back within -20. However, neither Anthony Edwards nor Julius Randle were on the field at the time, but after an uncontrolled Naz Reid near the circle and an effective defense around Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, the visitors made it easy for themselves at the best of times.

– Miami had a cold. Unbeaten since Christmas, the Heat ends a four-game winning streak. Attacking someone stronger than them, Erik Spoelstra’s players did not do badly, but they paid for the lack of serious ball control (19 turnovers) and the inability to control the opponent’s interior, namely Naz Reed, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. Add to that Anthony Edwards, who was still on cloud nine in the first half, and you have a logical defeat. In this type of match, there wouldn’t be too many “man to play from”.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. out due to injury. If Norman Powell had a leg scare in the first quarter, before returning to the game, Jaime Jaquez Jr. injured his ankle and was unable to return after that. It looks like a sprain because he stepped on Julius Randle’s leg while trying to defend him. If he were to miss a few weeks, it would be a real blow, as he is one of the best substitutes in the league. And because Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson are already gone.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.