Rockets ride red-hot start to victory over Wolves

Jalen Green scored 35 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 121-115 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Green, who hit 5-of-11 3-point attempts, was supported by Alperen Sengun (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Amen Thompson (17 points, 10 rebounds) as Houston won for the third time in four games.

Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points, including 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, and nine rebounds in his return from a 22-game absence with a broken left hand.

Anthony Edwards scored 37 points for Minnesota, including 25 in the first half, but was held to three points on 1-of-6 shooting in the fourth quarter.

Naz Reid contributed 22 points and eight rebounds, Jaden McDaniel had 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 16 as the Timberwolves fell for the third time in four games. Minnesota was without Rudy Goebert (back), Julius Randle (groin) and Donte DiVincenzo (toe).

The game, which included 20 lead changes and 11 ties, was tied at 108-all with 5:30 left before Houston’s defense stymied the Timberwolves.

Green’s fifth trey broke the deadlock before he attacked the cup for another bucket, then iced it from the free-throw line.

The Rockets were on fire early, hitting 13 of their first 15 shots to open up a 35-21 buffer and led 48-38 after the opening quarter.

Green piloted the fast start with 13 points as Houston shot 17 of 23 (73.9 percent) from the floor, including 6 of 8 from 3-point territory, in its best offensive quarter of the season.

Edwards had 15 points in that opening frame, 13 coming after he was called for a technical foul with 7:09 remaining, while Minnesota coach Chris Finch received a technical late in the quarter.

Houston’s hot pace slowed in the second period, misfiring at 8 of 23 from the floor and coughing up seven turnovers.

Edwards blew by Smith for a thunderous dunk with 1:24 left in the half to briefly put the Wolves in front.

The Rockets were up 68-67 at the break, during which Edwards was jawing with a fan and had to be held back by Minnesota assistant coach Corliss Williamson.

The lead changed hands 10 times in the third before Aaron Holiday’s eight straight points put Houston up 98-93 with a quarter to play.

–Field Level Media