The Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets delivered an intense NBA Cup matchup on Tuesday night, with the Rockets narrowly securing a 117-111 overtime victory. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, fought valiantly but were ultimately outpaced by Houston’s trio of Fred VanVleet, Alperen Şengün, and Dillon Brooks.
Rob Dillingham’s Performance
Timberwolves rookie guard Rob Dillingham showcased his potential in a mixed performance. After a quiet first half where he failed to score and contributed only three assists and two rebounds in eight minutes, Dillingham found his rhythm in the second half. He finished with 12 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, shooting 5-of-13 from the field and 2-of-5 from three-point range.
Dillingham’s fourth-quarter play was pivotal, with two key buckets in the paint contributing to Minnesota’s late-game rally that forced overtime. Despite his struggles in the first half, his second-half resurgence was a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
Game Recap
Anthony Edwards delivered another standout performance for the Timberwolves, posting a double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Julius Randle added 21 points, while Naz Reid chipped in with 19. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Rockets’ balanced attack.
Fred VanVleet, the Rockets’ veteran leader, orchestrated the offense effectively, while Alperen Şengün continued his stellar form with a triple-double performance. Dillon Brooks provided a defensive edge and timely scoring to help Houston close out the game.
Takeaways
- Timberwolves: Rob Dillingham’s growth is evident as he learns to navigate the challenges of NBA competition. His strong second-half performance signals his potential to be a reliable contributor. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will need to tighten their late-game execution and improve their perimeter defense to close out games against strong opponents like Houston.
- Rockets: Houston’s balanced roster and ability to execute in high-pressure moments have been key to their strong start this season. Şengün continues to emerge as a cornerstone for the team, while VanVleet and Brooks provide leadership and grit.
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves can take positives from Dillingham’s development and their ability to compete against a red-hot Rockets team. As the NBA Cup progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances.
