Anthony Edwards scores 51 points as Minnesota Timberwolves defeats Washington Wizards

On Tuesday night Minnesota Timberwolves cut the 21-point gap to defeat the Washington Wizards 130-121 as Anthony Edwards scored 51 points making his career-high points. In the second half of the game, he scored 30 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points and Rudy Gobert scored 19 points and 16 rebounds for Minnesota Timberwolves.

Edwards praised coach Chris Finch for keeping him motivated ahead of a game against one of the league's worst teams.

"He put me in the office 2-3 days ago and said, 'Look man we've got this Washington game, and we need to win it, need to come ready to play and you can't treat it like any other game,'" Edwards said in a statement.

Minnesota Timberwolves has earned a top-three Western Conference spot and will face Denver Nuggets on Wednesday in a game that may determine the No. 1 seed. 

Edwards' layup saves Minnesota Timberwolves

With 2:04 remaining in the third quarter, Edwards hit a three-pointer to give Minnesota its first lead, 92-89. Before the session ended, Edwards added another three points, scored on a fast-break slam, and fed Gobert for a dunk, extending the advantage to 99-92.

Edwards' layup with 2:36 remaining and drive with 1:34 remaining set a personal record, surpassing his 49-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on April 7, 2022. His total was tied for the fifth-most points scored by a Minnesota player in a single game. On January 22, Towns scored 62 against Charlotte.

In the first quarter, the Wizards shot 63% and led by 21 points. At the end of the period, they lead 44-27, tying a franchise season best for points in one quarter. It was the most points scored by a Minnesota opponent this season.

On Friday Washington Wizards will face Chicago Bulls while Minnesota Timberwolves will take on Denver Nuggets.