NBA: Anthony Edwards scores 24 points, Timberwolves beat Rockets

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket around Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

HOUSTON — Anthony Edwards scored 24 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 and the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Houston Rockets 122-95 on Friday night in the NBA.

Edwards had a relatively quiet game considering he entered the night averaging 36.3 points in his previous four games. He had scored at least 25 points in 10 straight games but went 8 for 17 from the field in 32 minutes Friday. Towns added eight rebounds and six assists.

Jalen Green led Houston with 20 points, Alperen Sengun had 19 points and Jabari Smith Jr. added 16. The Rockets are 2-4 on a seven-game homestand.

got 'em with the pump fake.

triple vote day » https://t.co/adpbBYDQ4T pic.twitter.com/Ki3YfGlWsE

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 6, 2024

Houston has lost eight of the last nine meetings with Minnesota. The outsized Rockets were outscored 60-46 in the paint and outrebounded 51-39.

Minnesota led by 33 and entered the fourth quarter up 84-72.

SLOWMO POSTER

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/GIfpaVUkE8

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 6, 2024

Rockets forward Dillon Brooks remained sidelined for a fifth straight game because of a strained right abdominal oblique.

Houston briefly led in the first quarter but trailed much of the game. Minnesota held a 56-46 lead at halftime.

UP NEXT

Timberwolves: At Dallas on Sunday night.

Rockets: Host Milwaukee on Saturday night.