MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Julius Randle had 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-122 on Thursday night for their fourth straight win. Anthony Edwards added 25 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points. The Timberwolves broke open a close game with a 43-point third quarter, matching their season high for a period, to build a 20-point lead. The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points, rallied late but could not close the gap. Minnesota shot 20 for 38 from 3-point range, while Cleveland went 11 for 33. A crowd of 17,274 at Target Center saw the Timberwolves improve to 25-13. The Cavaliers fell to 21-18.

MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — A historic individual milestone and a devastating team-wide third-quarter surge propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to their fourth consecutive victory, a 131-122 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night at Target Center. Julius Randle led the charge for Minnesota with 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, but the night belonged to Anthony Edwards. The 24-year-old guard scored 25 points, adding nine assists and seven rebounds while becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career points, a milestone he achieved with a 13-foot fadeaway jumper in the fourth quarter. Only LeBron James and Kevin Durant reached the five-digit mark at a younger age. The game’s decisive stretch came immediately after halftime. After a competitive first half that saw Cleveland take a 67-63 lead into the break behind 31 first-quarter points, the Timberwolves unleashed a dominant third quarter. They outscored the Cavaliers 43-22, matching their season high for points in any period. Randle was the catalyst, scoring 13 of his points in the frame as Minnesota built a lead that swelled to 20 points. Cleveland, led by Donovan Mitchell’s game-high 30 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, refused to capitulate. The Cavaliers chipped away in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to single digits on multiple occasions behind Mitchell’s scoring and timely shooting from Sam Merrill, who finished with 22 points. Each time, however, Minnesota had an answer. Jaden McDaniels provided crucial efficiency with 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting, and Donte DiVincenzo’s perimeter shooting proved vital, as he hit six 3-pointers for 22 points. Rudy Gobert anchored the interior with 11 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. The Timberwolves’ offensive execution was superior throughout, shooting 56.7% from the field and a blistering 52.6% from 3-point range, making 20 of 38 attempts. Cleveland shot a respectable 48.4% overall but was hampered by 11-for-33 shooting from beyond the arc. Both teams committed 16 turnovers, but Minnesota’s explosive shooting proved the ultimate difference. Despite the loss, Cleveland received strong contributions from its frontcourt. Evan Mobley scored 19 points, De’Andre Hunter added 14 points and eight rebounds, and Jarrett Allen posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. The victory improved Minnesota’s record to 25-13, solidifying its position in the Western Conference. Cleveland fell to 21-18 with the loss. The teams are scheduled for a quick rematch in Cleveland on Saturday night. The announced attendance at Target Center was 17,274. Minnesota entered the game as a 3.5-point favorite, and the combined score of 253 points exceeded the over/under line of 238.5.

MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Two of the NBA’s premier shooting guards will share the spotlight when Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night at Target Center. The matchup features teams trending in opposite directions. The Timberwolves (23-13) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 141-115 rout at Washington on Sunday. The Cavaliers (20-17) look to rebound after a 114-110 home loss to Detroit the same day, which snapped a two-game win streak. Mitchell has been a consistent force for Cleveland, scoring 30 or more points in six of his last 10 games. He is averaging 28.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists over that stretch, including a 34-point, 10-rebound, 7-assist performance in a win over Phoenix on Dec. 31. His backcourt prowess will be central to Cleveland’s chances. Edwards counters with his own explosive scoring runs. He dropped 44 points in an overtime loss to Denver on Christmas and is averaging 30.2 points over his last 10 contests. He comes off a 35-point effort in just 30 minutes against the Wizards. His athleticism and Minnesota’s top-rated defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, present a formidable challenge. The Cavaliers have relied heavily on Mitchell’s creation, with Evan Mobley providing interior support. The Timberwolves boast a more balanced attack, with Gobert’s rebounding and rim protection complementing Edwards’ offensive fireworks. This contest is the first of a quick home-and-home set, with the teams meeting again in Cleveland on Saturday. For the Cavaliers, navigating a tough early January schedule against Western Conference contenders continues. For the Timberwolves, protecting home court is key as they seek to solidify their position near the top of the conference standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.