Despite low output from Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves dominate glass and roll Magic 115-93

On Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Orlando Magic 115-93 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points, contributing to the Timberwolves' victory. Rudy Gobert added 14 points and nine rebounds, leading the Timberwolves to their best start since winning their first two games five years ago.

Wendell Carter Jr. had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Magic, who are currently 0-2. Fresh off a 45-point performance at Miami on Wednesday, Edwards scored his first points of the game with a 3-pointer but then struggled, shooting just 5 of 23 from the field and 2 of 9 from three-point range. Despite his limited contributions, the Timberwolves dominated the glass, outrebounding Orlando 60-43 and securing 17 second-chance points in the first 19 minutes of the game.

The Timberwolves never trailed in the contest, leading by 26 points in the third quarter. Head coach Chris Finch was able to rest several key players, including LaMelo Ball, for most of the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves held the Magic to just seven points off seven turnovers and capitalized on the Magic’s poor shooting, which was 44% from the field and 20.5% from beyond the arc.

Orlando's Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane were a combined 2 for 15 from three-point range. Paolo Banchero, who sat out the fourth quarter due to right ankle soreness, had 14 points and six rebounds. The Timberwolves will face the New York Knicks on Sunday.