February 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; The Guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards (5), shoots the ball when the Houston Rockets Jalen Jalen Inexperienced (4) defends during the first quarter in the Toyota Heart. Mandatory Credit: Troy Torormina-Imagn Images
Jalen inexperienced scored 35 points to take the Houston Rockets to a 121-115 victory over Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Inexperienced, who reached 5 of 11 attempts of 3 points, was supported by Alperen Senguun (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Amen Thompson (17 points, 10 rebounds) when Houston won for the third time in four games.
Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points, including 4 of 6 shots from beyond the arch, and nine rebounds on his return of an absence of 22 games with a broken left hand.
Anthony Edwards scored 37 points for Minnesota, including 25 in the first half, but had three points in 1 of 6 shots in the last quarter.
Naz Reid contributed 22 points and eight rebounds, Jaden McDaniel had 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 16 when the Timberwolves fell for the third time in four games. Minnesota was without Rudy Goebert (back), Julius Randle (groin) and Donte Divinnzo (finger).
The game, which included 20 lead changes and 11 draws, was tied in 108-there with 5:30 remaining before Houston’s defense hindered the Timberwolves.
The fifth Trey of Inexperience broke the dead point before attacking the cup for another cube, then froze it from the free throw line.
The Rockets were on fire, hitting 13 of their first 15 shots to open a 35-21 shock absorber and led 48-38 after the first quarter.
Inexperience tested the rapid start with 13 points when Houston shot 17 of 23 (73.9 percent) from the floor, including 6 of 8 of the territory of 3 points, in his best fourth offensive of the season.
Edwards had 15 points in that opening box, 13 after they called him for a technical foul with 7:09 remaining, while the coach of Minnesota, Chris Finch, received a technique at the Ultimate of the quarter.
Houston’s hot rhythm slowed in the second period, failing at 8 of 23 from the floor and coughing seven ball losses.
Edwards blew by Smith for a thunderous overturning with remaining 1:24 in the middle to briefly put the wolves in front.
The Rockets went up 68-67 at the break, during which Edwards was amazing with a fan and had to be held by the assistant coach of Minnesota, Corliss Williamson.
The advantage changed hands 10 times in the third before the eight consecutive points of Aaron Vacation put Houston 98-93 with a room to play.
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