Jalen Green scored 35 points to lead Houston Rockets to a victory 121-115 over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Green, who met 5-AV-11 3-point attempts, is supported by the Alperen Sengun (24 points, 13 returns) and Amen Thompson (17 points, 10 returns) that Houston won for the third time in four matches.
Jabari Smith Jr. Added 15 points, including 4-of-6 shooting beyond the arch, and nine returns in his return from a 22-player absence with a broken left hand.
Anthony Edwards received 37 points for Minnesota, including 25 during the first half, but was held at three points on 1-6 shooting during the fourth quarter.
Naz Reid contributed 22 points and eight returns, Jaden McDaniel had 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 16 when Timberwolves fell for the third time in four matches. Minnesota was without Rudy Goebert (back), Julius Randle (Ljumsk) and Donte Divincenzo (toe).
The game, which included 20 lead changes and 11 bands, was tied to 108-all with 5:30 left before Houston’s defense triggered Timberwolves.
Green’s Fifth Trey broke the deadlock before attacking the cup for another bucket and then ice cream from the freeast line.
Rockets was on fire early and hit 13 of their first 15 shots to open a buffer of 35-21 and led 48-38 after the opening quarter.
Green piloted the quick start with 13 points when Houston shot 17 out of 23 (73.9 percent) from the floor, including 6 out of 8 from 3-points territory, in its best offensive neighborhood of the season.
Edwards had 15 points in that opening frame, 13 came after he was called a technical foul with 7:09, while the Minnesota coach Chris Finch got a technical late in the quarter.
Houston’s hot pace slowed down during the second period, incorrectly at 8 out of 23 from the floor and coughed up seven turnover.
Edwards blew Smith for a thunderstorm can with 1:24 left in half to briefly put the wolves in front.
Rockets was up 68-67 at the break, during which Edwards jaws with a fan and must be held back by Minnesota assistant coach Corliss Williamson.
The lead changed hand 10 times in the third before Aaron Holiday’s eight straight points, Houston set up 98-93 with a quarter to play.
-Field level media
