Cavaliers Close Out 15-Point Deficit to Stun Timberwolves in Overtime Thriller

The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime on Monday night. The final score reflected a game defined by dramatic shifts in momentum, as the visitors erased a substantial early lead to claim the victory at home.

The Timberwolves established control early in the contest. Minnesota held a 69-58 lead with seven minutes and 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The Cavaliers responded with a 12-point run, including eight points from James Harden, to close the gap before halftime. The game remained tight through the second half, with 15 lead changes and five ties recorded in the final 21 and a half minutes.

Anthony Edwards drove the Minnesota offense with 47 points, marking his seventh career game with at least that total. He shot 19 of 33 from the floor but struggled from deep, hitting only five of 15 three-point attempts. Jaden McDaniels contributed 14 points before fouling out, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 14 off the bench for the Timberwolves.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, including five in the extra period. James Harden added 19 points, and Evan Mobley scored 18. Meleek Thomas, the team’s 34th overall pick in June’s NBA Draft, posted 16 points in his professional debut. The win marked the fourth consecutive home victory for Cleveland against Minnesota.

The decisive sequence began in the closing seconds of regulation. Harden tied the game at 113 with a seven-foot floater from the left corner with 10.4 seconds left. In overtime, Edwards hit a three-pointer to equalize the score at 121. Mitchell answered with a 19-foot fadeaway jumper with 48 seconds remaining to give Cleveland the lead.

Harden extended the advantage to 125-122 with two free throws with 13 seconds left. LaMelo Ball missed both free throws after a foul by Sam Merrill with 9.2 seconds remaining. Edwards secured the rebound but missed an open three-point shot from the top of the key. Peyton Watson then made both of his free throws with 3.9 seconds left to secure the final margin.

Both teams return to action on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves will host the Golden State Warriors, while the Cavaliers will face the Washington Wizards at home.