The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a commanding 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, with Julius Randle orchestrating the offense in a masterclass performance that showcased Minnesota's depth and defensive prowess. The win marked the Timberwolves' second consecutive victory, while the Nets continued their dismal start to the season, falling to an alarming 0-7 record.
A Triple-Double Statement
Randle's all-around brilliance set the tone for Minnesota's dominant performance. The versatile forward recorded
19 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 15th career triple-double—and notably, his first with the Timberwolves. His ability to facilitate the offense while contributing on the glass proved instrumental in controlling the game's tempo and rhythm.
"Randle had his first triple-double with the Wolves," showcasing his immediate impact since joining the team. His performance extended beyond the stat sheet, as he made crucial plays down the stretch to seal the victory when Brooklyn mounted a comeback attempt.
Balanced Scoring Powers Minnesota's Offense
The Timberwolves' offensive firepower was distributed across multiple weapons, making them nearly impossible to defend.
Donte DiVincenzo led all scorers with
25 points while adding 9 rebounds and 6 three-pointers, demonstrating the team's three-point prowess.
Jaden McDaniels contributed a solid
22 points on efficient shooting (9-11 from the field), while
Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with
15 points and 12 rebounds.
Minnesota's shooting efficiency was staggering, connecting on
56% from the field and 41% from three-point range, while also dominating the glass with a
53-40 rebounding advantage. This combination of offensive efficiency and rebounding control left Brooklyn with few opportunities to mount a sustained challenge.
Brooklyn's Struggles Continue
The Nets' 0-7 start represents one of the worst beginnings in franchise history. The team's last comparable stretch occurred during the 2009-10 season when they opened with 18 consecutive losses while still based in New Jersey, two years before relocating to Brooklyn.
Cam Thomas led Brooklyn's scoring with
25 points, while
Nic Claxton chipped in
19 points in the losing effort. Despite individual performances, the Nets lacked the cohesion and defensive intensity needed to compete with Minnesota's balanced attack. The absence of
Michael Porter Jr. due to personal reasons further depleted Brooklyn's roster.
The Turning Point
Minnesota played without
All-Star guard Anthony Edwards due to a hamstring injury, yet still dominated proceedings. The Timberwolves led by 12 points midway through the third quarter before Brooklyn mounted a furious comeback, even taking an
88-87 lead with 1:57 remaining in the period.
However, Minnesota's resilience proved decisive. The Timberwolves capitalized on four consecutive Nets misses and two turnovers, with Randle scoring four crucial points to give Minnesota a
91-88 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Minnesota then opened the final period with a decisive 6-0 run while Brooklyn misfired on three straight shots, effectively putting the game out of reach.
What's Next
The Timberwolves remain in New York to face the
Knicks on Wednesday, looking to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Nets travel to
Indiana to face the Pacers, desperately seeking their first victory of the season.
Minnesota's balanced attack and defensive intensity suggest they're building momentum despite Edwards' absence, while Brooklyn faces mounting pressure to reverse course before their winless streak becomes historically embarrassing.
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1.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets Game Recap - CBS Sports2.
Timberwolves vs Nets Full Game Highlights - YouTube3.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets Highlights - The CCB Network
Sources
1. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets Live Score and Stats
2. Timberwolves 117, Nets 91: No Sleep for Brooklyn - Canis Hoopus
3. TIMBERWOLVES at NETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube
4. Sports Betting Lines Online | Best Betting Scores and Odds - Lines ...
5. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets | 2025-26 NBA Season
6. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets Full Game Highlights
