Wiseman and Edwards Drop 25 Points Each, Warriors Outplay the Timberwolves, 123-111

Both Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman dropped 25 points in their second meeting of the year, but the rookie from the Golden State Warriors had more reasons to be happy last night.

Wiseman’s crew defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-111, completing successfully a second of back-to-back nights against the team from Minneapolis. The young rookie was the most efficient player in Golden State’s squad for the first time this season.

He wasn’t aware of that fact, but was more focused on his defensive effort, suggesting that this was his best performance in that aspect of play since the year began.

“That was one of my best games defensively,” Wiseman said.

James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards scored 25 PTS apiece tonight.

The last No. 1 and No. 2 picks from the same NBA Draft to score 25+ in a rookie-year matchup were Marcus Camby (36 PTS) and Allen Iverson (26 PTS) on March 18, 1997. pic.twitter.com/pRJ4ycrYkD

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 28, 2021

He ended the night with six boards, and two blocks but closed the space and controlled the paint very well, not allowing the Timberwolves to feel comfortable. On the other side, he was 9-for-14 from the field and perfect from downtown with three hits, all that in 24 minutes, which is impressive for a teenager.

Across the field, his draft classmate, and the only player picked higher than Wiseman, Anthony Edwards also had 25 buckets. This is the first time since 1997 that two of the top draft picks score at least 25 buckets in a head-to-head match. Two guys who did that the last time were Allen Iverson and Marcus Camby in the 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors clash.

Edwards and his T-Wolves were on the losing side once again, not being able to confront the balanced attack of the hosts who had more options in the offense, unlike the visitors. The only period when Minnesota looked competitive was the second quarter, but that stretch didn’t last for too long.

The Warriors dropped 37 points in the third, allowing just 24, practically solving the game in their favor.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was very inspired, scoring 20 points with just two misses in nine shots, adding nine rebounds, and three assists. It seems that the rumors about a possible trade involving him affected the forward who wanted to prove that he has the quality to play for the Warriors.

Once the news broke out, Steve Kerr immediately reached out to Oubre to clarify the situation and rebuff all the speculations. Kerr mentioned that after the match.

“It’s unfortunate. A team called us and didn’t even make an offer. Just asked about Kelly. Next thing we know, it’s online.”

Damion Lee added 17 points off the bench hitting four threes in five attempts, while Andrew Wiggins had 19 points, shooting 8-for-13.

Steph Curry didn’t have his usual scoring night, as the two-time MVP dropped just 16 points, but with 8 dimes and six rebounds. Golden State’s leader was more focused on distributing the ball, and helping his teammates score buckets. His Warriors shot 52.9% from the field,

As for the Timberwolves, besides Edwards, who made five threes, Malik Beasley had 25 points and five boards, while Naz Reid scored 19 and added seven assists. Jaylen Nowell had 12 off the bench.

The Timberwolves have two games at home now, against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, before starting a four-game road trip in Cleveland.

As for the Warriors, they visit the Phoenix Suns and, after that have two events at Chase Center, vs. Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, next Tuesday. Following these contests, they too have a four-match tour consisting of back-to-back nights in Dallas and San Antonio.