Cleveland Cavaliers halted Minnesota Timberwolves’ unbeaten start in a 127–125 overtime thriller, overcoming a 47-point performance by Anthony Edwards as Donovan Mitchell and James Harden led the charge.
The early-season clash in the National Basketball Association saw Minnesota dictate the tempo for large stretches, building a 15-point cushion during the opening half after Edwards established an aggressive tone with 11 points in the first quarter alone. Despite carrying a questionable tag into the matchup due to a right knee injury, the explosive guard ultimately received clearance to play and pushed the contest past regulation.
JAMES HARDEN.WE ARE TIED 113 A PEICE WITH 4.2 SECONDS TO GO. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/lU7BWgvlzq
Cleveland Cavaliers Rally from Deficits to Force Overtime
Minnesota controlled the floor through the early quarters, but Cleveland clawed back to level the score in the third. Cleveland then trailed by seven points in the final frame of regulation. As the clock wound down, Harden sank a crucial basket to tie the game with 10 seconds remaining on the clock. Moments later, Harden blocked an Edwards attempt with just four seconds left, freezing the scoreboard at 113–113 and forcing the extra period.
James Harden told Elaph, It's a tough win for us, especially at this early stage of the season.
Anthony Edwards vs Cavs:47 PTS4 REB4 AST5 3PThe first player with multiple 40-point games this season. pic.twitter.com/yO85S9skMW
Reflecting on the grueling contest, Harden acknowledged the early hurdles while contributing 19 points, nine assists, and four rebounds to the winning effort. He noted that the squad struggled with execution on both ends of the floor during the opening half before finding better rhythm after the break.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden Lead the Winning Effort
Mitchell paced the Cavaliers’ offense with 26 points, including five critical points during the overtime session. Evan Mobley added 18 points, while Payton Watson sealed the outcome by sinking two late free throws. The victory lifts Cleveland’s record to two wins against a single loss, snapping Minnesota’s three-game winning streak right at the threshold of their perfect run.
The extra session proved just as turbulent as regulation. Edwards drilled a deep three-pointer with one minute remaining in overtime, a shot so close to the arc that officials turned to video replay to confirm the three points. Mitchell answered immediately with a midrange jumper to regain the lead for Cleveland. Minnesota faltered when Jonathan Kuminga missed a free throw with 30 seconds left, allowing Harden to pad the lead with two free throws of his own. Although Edwards had one final opportunity to salvage the game, his last-second three-point attempt bounced off the rim.
Meleek Thomas delivered in his NBA debut!16 PTS (6-10 FGM)4 3PMThe @cavs pick up the win in OT 👏 pic.twitter.com/I90IJDd5pu
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The Cavs bench held its collective breath during Ant's game-tying 3 attempt 🙏😅Cleveland picks up the win in OT! pic.twitter.com/JmvECx69Uz