Timberwolves Edge Rockets 117-107 in Houston Showdown

Final Whistle in Houston

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets 117-107 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in front of a crowd of 18,055 at Toyota Center. The visiting Timberwolves emerged as the victors in a contest that featured significant scoring swings before a decisive late-game push.

Ayo Dosunmu led the charge for Minnesota with 21 points and six assists, while Jonathan Kuminga provided the momentum shift in the final period. The Rockets, playing at home, could not overcome the deficit, leaving them with a 7-2 record, while the Timberwolves improved to 6-3.

Early Balance and Mid-Game Tension

The game began with a competitive back-and-forth exchange. The Timberwolves took a 33-30 lead after the first quarter, highlighted by early three-pointers from LaMelo Ball and Bones Hyland. Houston responded steadily in the second half, with Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun keeping the Rockets within striking distance.

The second quarter saw the Rockets close the gap, ending the first half with a 57-55 lead. Durant and Sengun were instrumental in maintaining parity, with Sengun eventually finishing with a double-double of 12 rebounds and 10 assists. The third quarter remained tight, with both teams exchanging baskets to keep the score within single digits, setting the stage for a deciding fourth quarter.

Decisive Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter proved to be the defining stretch of the game. Minnesota outscored Houston 35-23 in the final period, a margin that sealed the victory. Jonathan Kuminga was the catalyst for this surge, hitting multiple three-pointers and a tip shot to extend the lead.

Dosunmu continued his efficient offensive production, adding to the Timberwolves' lead with key baskets and free throws. Rudy Gobert also contributed significantly, finishing with 11 rebounds and an alley-oop layup late in the game.

The Rockets, led by Durant’s 21 points, attempted to rally with three-pointers from Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr., but the Timberwolves’ consistent execution in the final minutes proved too much to overcome. The final seconds saw Rudy Gobert convert a free throw to set the final margin at ten points, securing the road win for Minnesota.

Sources

ESPN