PHOENIX: Rookie Anthony Edwards added 42 points to the race, Karl-Anthony Towns added 41 and the Minnesota Timberwolves suddenly look like a respectable NBA basketball team.
The Timberwolves used the dominant Edwards-KAT combined and the fourth-quarter comeback to stun the Phoenix Suns 123-119 on Thursday night. They have won three of five games since the All Star break.
At 19 years and 225 days, Edwards became the third youngest player in NBA history with a 40-point game.
“Our future success begins now,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch.
The Timberwolves still have the worst record in the NBA at 10-31, but have played much better in recent weeks. Edwards and Towns led Minnesota in this, pouring points all over the ground.
After the match, Edwards gave the shirt to his “blood brother” who was at the match and gave his shoes to other fans. The 19-year-old smiled from ear to ear as he walked out of the yard.
“We win,” he said. “He’s always happy when we win.”
Edwards, who was No. 1 in the Georgia national team last summer, made 15 of 31 shots. Towns was even more efficient, making 15 of 24 shots, including 5 of 7 triples. Juancho Hernangomez was wrapped up with 2.5 seconds left to close it.
It was only the second time in the history of the Minnesota franchise that two players scored 40 points in the same game.
“Incredibly special,” Finch said. “They’ve played pretty efficiently. KAT almost has a triple-double. They took us.”
Jevon Carter hit a hat-trick just before the third quarter to give the Suns a 91-83 lead. But the Timberwolves kept the game tight and Towns tied at 107 after a triple with less than five minutes left. Cities also added 10 rebounds and eight assists.
These were the kind of performances the Timberwolves imagined when they selected Edwards, who has a sweet jumper and produced a few outstanding wraps on Thursday. The 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 30.6 points in his last five games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.