The NBA season kicked off with a thrilling showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Portland Trail Blazers, featuring one of the league’s most exciting young stars, Anthony Edwards. The game, which took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, saw Edwards deliver a standout performance, leading his team to a 118-114 victory in a nail-biting fourth quarter.
Anthony Edwards Shines in Season Opener
Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star guard, was the main attraction of the game. Despite being questionable due to back spasms, he started and delivered a career-high 41 points, showcasing his elite scoring ability. His performance was not just about numbers; it was about clutch moments that defined the game.
Edwards’ impact was felt throughout the game, but his heroics truly shone in the final quarter. He hit a step-back jumper to pull the Wolves within 107-105, followed by a crucial 3-pointer that made it 108-107 with 3:36 left on the clock. Another 3-pointer extended Minnesota’s lead to 114-112, and a final dunk by Rudy Gobert sealed the win with just 32.1 seconds remaining.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the night. The Trail Blazers, led by Jerami Grant’s 29 points, had several opportunities to take control, especially in the second half.
Portland took an early lead, going up 46-40 midway through the second quarter after a 3-pointer by Kris Murray. However, Jaden McDaniels responded with an emphatic dunk over rookie Yang Hansen, signaling the start of a strong Timberwolves response.
The Blazers maintained a narrow edge through the first half, leading 61-57 at the break. They continued to hold their advantage into the third quarter, but the Wolves began to find their rhythm as the game progressed.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
The fourth quarter was where the game turned in favor of the Timberwolves. Minnesota outscored Portland 30-19 in the final period, holding the Blazers to just 4-of-19 shooting (21.1%). This defensive push was critical in securing the win.
Edwards played a pivotal role in this comeback. After a 3-pointer by Grant gave Portland a 103-95 lead with 9:14 left, the Wolves mounted a 13-4 run to take the lead. Edwards’ 3-pointer with 3:36 remaining put Minnesota ahead 108-107, and despite Portland tying the game again, Edwards’ final shot with seven seconds left ensured the victory.
Team Performances and Key Players
While Edwards was the star, other players also contributed significantly to the win. Julius Randle added 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Jaden McDaniels scored 18 points. Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in with 10 points off the bench, showing depth in the Timberwolves’ roster.
On the other side, Jerami Grant led the Blazers with 29 points, and Deni Avdija added 20 points and seven rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe and Jrue Holiday also had strong performances, with 15 and 14 points respectively.
Additional Context and Injuries
The game also featured some notable storylines beyond the court. Damian Lillard, who returned to the Blazers in the offseason, received a rousing ovation from the fans at Moda Center. However, Lillard is currently sidelined due to an Achilles injury and will not play this season.
Portland was also without guard Scoot Henderson, who is recovering from a left hamstring tear. These absences were a challenge for the Blazers, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was decided.
Additionally, Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, was present at the game. Dundon is part of a group that has agreed to purchase the Trail Blazers from Paul Allen’s estate, pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors.
Looking Ahead
With the season opener now in the books, both teams are looking forward to their next games. The Timberwolves will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Trail Blazers host the Golden State Warriors.
For the Timberwolves, the win sets a positive tone for the season, especially with Edwards playing at such a high level. For the Blazers, the loss is a reminder of the challenges they face in their quest to return to the playoffs.
Conclusion
Anthony Edwards’ performance against the Trail Blazers was nothing short of spectacular. His 41 points, combined with the team’s strong fourth-quarter effort, highlighted why he is considered one of the most exciting players in the league. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Edwards can maintain this level of play and lead the Timberwolves to even greater success.
Author: John Carter
Title/Role: Sports Analyst & Journalist
Credentials: John Carter is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and college basketball. He has contributed to major sports publications and is known for his insightful analysis and engaging storytelling.
Profile Link: john-carter-sports.com
Sources:
– AP NBA Coverage
– NBA Official Website
– ESPN NBA Updates
Related Articles:
– Anthony Edwards’ Rise to Stardom
– Trail Blazers’ Offseason Moves
– Timberwolves’ Playoff Outlook
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