The Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Minnesota Timberwolves their first loss of the season, beating them 127-125 in overtime at Rocket Arena, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Cleveland overcame a 15-point deficit during the game and forced extra time. Anthony Edwards finished with a game-high 47 points for Minnesota, while Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 26 points and James Harden added 19, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.
In the closing sequence, Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu missed a driving layup and Peyton Watson secured the rebound. LaMelo Ball then fouled Donovan Mitchell. The play later led to James Harden being fouled by Jonathan Kuminga, and Harden made two free throws to put Cleveland up 125-122, as reported by the Akron Beacon Journal.
LaMelo Ball missed two free throws with 9.2 seconds left. Anthony Edwards drove to the top of the arc and missed an open three. Peyton Watson grabbed the rebound, drew a foul and made two free throws to close out the win.
Overtime featured multiple lead changes. With 1:03 left in overtime, Edwards drained a three to tie the game at 121-121. Donovan Mitchell answered with a jumper to give Cleveland a 123-121 lead. Edwards earlier had cut Minnesota's deficit with a late long two and a three that briefly put the Wolves ahead in overtime.
Season Context And Roster Notes
The Timberwolves entered the game riding a notable offensive and defensive stretch. As reported by ClutchPoints, Minnesota became just the third team in NBA history to average at least 121 points while allowing fewer than 100 through a season's first three games.
ClutchPoints noted Minnesota averaged 121.0 points per game and allowed 97.7 per game in those three contests. The story placed the Wolves alongside the 1982-83 Seattle Supersonics, who averaged 125.0 and allowed 98.7, and the 1973-74 Portland Trail Blazers, who averaged 122.0 and allowed 98.0, stressing the small sample size.
ClutchPoints credited new addition LaMelo Ball for meshing quickly with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and newcomer Jonathan Kuminga. The outlet highlighted Minnesota's depth and said Kuminga has added athleticism and stability while Ball has become a take-charge point guard.
The Akron Beacon Journal added roster context. The Timberwolves had listed Edwards as questionable before the game but he was available. Minnesota also waived Enrique Freeman earlier in the month and ruled out Donte DiVincenzo. Cleveland listed several players as unavailable and started Peyton Watson in their lineup, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.
