Anthony Edwards' Late Free Throws Propel Timberwolves Past Nuggets In Thrilling NBA Opener

Add as a preferred source on Google

Anthony Edwards made two crucial free throws with just 2.4 seconds left, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-115 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Edwards was fouled by Domantas Sabonis during a tied game and confidently scored from the line, finishing with 32 points. Keegan Murray's last-second three-point attempt for the Kings missed its mark.

Julius Randle, in his second game since joining Minnesota from New York, topped the Timberwolves' scoring with 33 points. Meanwhile, Demar DeRozan led the Kings with 26 points in his first appearance for Sacramento after being traded from Chicago. Sabonis contributed 24 points, and Murray added 23 for the Kings.

Chet Holmgren showcased an impressive all-around performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 102-87 in their season opener. Holmgren matched his career-high with 14 rebounds, alongside five assists and four blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 28 points, while Aaron Wiggins added 15 off the bench.

The Thunder and Nuggets had identical records of 57-25 last season, but Oklahoma City secured the top seed in the Western Conference through a tiebreaker. Nikola Jokić recorded his 131st triple-double for Denver with 16 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. Jamal Murray managed only 12 points on poor shooting.

Luka Dončić scored 28 points and grabbed ten rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 120-109 in their opening game. Klay Thompson made an impactful debut for Dallas, scoring 22 points and setting a franchise record by hitting six three-pointers in his first game.

Kyrie Irving contributed 15 points for Dallas, who improved their long-range shooting significantly in the second half. Victor Wembanyama struggled for San Antonio, making only five of eighteen shots but still scoring seventeen points. Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie each added eighteen points for the Spurs.

In Minnesota's win over Sacramento, Edwards and Naz Reid hit consecutive three-pointers that sparked an eleven-point run. This surge turned a five-point deficit into a six-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves attempted ninety-one three-pointers across their first two games this season.

In Oklahoma City's matchup against Denver, Christian Braun scored sixteen points for Denver while Aaron Gordon added twelve following his new contract extension. Russell Westbrook struggled offensively with just six points on two-of-ten shooting as Denver missed thirty-two of thirty-nine three-point attempts.

Klay Thompson's performance included fourteen second-half points and seven rebounds along with three steals for Dallas against San Antonio. Chris Paul debuted for San Antonio with three points on one-of-six shooting but provided eight assists and seven rebounds.