Towns, Russell Each Score 27, Wolves Rout Magic 128-96
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell each scored 27 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves built a 30-point halftime lead, led by 43 in the third quarter and cruised to a 128-96 rout of the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.
Rookie guard Anthony Edwards added 16 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season to help the Timberwolves end a three-game losing streak. Ricky Rubio added 18 points for Minnesota, which made 16 3s and shot 48.5%. Russell also had eight assists, six rebounds and five made 3s.
Orlando dressed just 10 players, but only after signing former G League player Donta Hall for the rest of the season. R.J. Hampton scored a career-high 19 points off the bench for the Magic. They finished the home schedule 11-25.
ROOKIE CANDIDACY
Minnesota coach Chris Finch said he doesn't feel the need to make a case for Edwards to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year award because of the nightly statement the guard has put forth with his vastly improved play. In addition to recently scoring 42 points for a second time this season — joining LeBron James as the second 19-year-old with multiple 40-point games — Edward ranks first among rookies in scoring (21.6) and second in made 3s (157).
"He's getting better all the time," Finch said. "His impact on our team as we get better, his ability to put up big numbers, his ability to score down the stretch of games, close games and make key plays … . His shooting has improved, all of his efficiency has improved and he's now facing double teams and teams are game-planning for him. I think his (Rookie of the Year) case is extremely strong and he makes it all by himself."
TIP INS
Timberwolves: Juancho Hernangomez did not play because of swelling in his right knee. … Jarred Vanderbilt got the start as Finch continued to shuffle the lineup while trying to find more rebounding and defense. Minnesota is 2-6 when Vanderbilt starts. … Minnesota's 74 first-half points tied its season high set previously at Sacramento on April 20.
Magic: Play was stopped for more than 10 minutes in the first quarter when a female fan sitting court side needed attention for a medical emergency. The fan was alert as she was taken off on a stretcher following an apparent seizure. … Orlando closed out the home portion of its schedule. Coming into Sunday, the Magic — one of the few NBA teams to allow fans all season — averaged 3,496 fans at the first 35 home games.
UP NEXT
Timberwolves: At Detroit on Tuesday night.
Magic: At Milwaukee on Tuesday night.
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