Minnesota Timberwolves: Ant Goes Nuclear And Beringer Delivers
Minnesota Timberwolves Recap: Anthony Edwards Scores 55, Joan Beringer Earns Minutes, and Chris Finch Faces Rotation Questions
The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the week 1–2, but the record doesn’t tell the full story. Anthony Edwards delivered one of the best performances of the NBA season with a 55-point night against the Spurs, rookie big man Joan Beringer looked ready for real rotation minutes, and Chris Finch’s lineup decisions became a major talking point among Wolves fans.
This is the full recap from the latest Dads and Dunks podcast episode, breaking down Timberwolves vs Bucks, Rockets, and Spurs, along with key stats, rotation questions, and what it all means moving forward.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XiqPDAOoUcogLxB3ES0Aj
Timberwolves go 1–2 but show playoff-level competitiveness
The Timberwolves finished the week with losses to the Rockets and Spurs and a dominant win over the Bucks. Despite the 1–2 record, the Wolves showed they can compete with top teams in the Western Conference, even while dealing with injuries and rotation instability.
The highlight was a blowout win over Milwaukee, followed by two close, instructive losses that revealed both strengths and weaknesses.
Timberwolves vs Bucks recap: complete domination and the Joan Beringer breakout
The Wolves demolished the Bucks 139–106 behind elite shooting and rebounding.
Minnesota shot nearly 60 percent from the field, over 50 percent from three, and controlled the glass with a 54–41 rebounding advantage. The game was effectively over by halftime.
The biggest storyline was Joan Beringer, who played 30 minutes and immediately looked like an NBA-ready contributor. His activity on the boards, rim protection, and energy stood out.
Other key performances:
Julius Randle scored 29 points
Bones Highland added 23 points and five assists
Naz Reid scored 19 points
Donte DiVincenzo finished with 11 points and seven assists
Jaden McDaniels hit four three-pointers
It was one of the Wolves’ most complete games of the season.
Timberwolves vs Rockets recap: no Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert struggles at the line
Against Houston, the Wolves played without Anthony Edwards, and it showed late.
Rudy Gobert had one of his toughest games of the year, going 2-for-10 from the free throw line. Gobert took responsibility after the game, but the missed free throws loomed large in a five-point loss.
Julius Randle stepped up as the primary scorer with 39 points, while Naz Reid added 25 points and 10 rebounds. However, the rest of the supporting cast struggled from three, and the Wolves could not close without their best clutch scorer.
Despite the loss, Minnesota stayed competitive against a Western Conference contender.
Timberwolves vs Spurs recap: Anthony Edwards drops 55 points in electric performance
The Spurs game was one of the most entertaining games of the NBA season.
After trailing by 25 points at halftime and playing without Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid for most of the game, the Timberwolves mounted a furious comeback led by Anthony Edwards.
Edwards finished with:
55 total points
26 points in the fourth quarter
9-of-16 shooting from three
The performance showcased Edwards’ shot creation, toughness, and late-game scoring ability. Even in a 126–123 loss, it was a statement game that reinforced his status as one of the league’s premier young stars.
Chris Finch rotation questions: why isn’t Joan Beringer playing more?
One of the biggest takeaways from the Spurs loss was Chris Finch’s rotation decisions.
During critical minutes against Victor Wembanyama, Johnny Juzang and Mike Conley were on the floor while Joan Beringer sat. Juzang played four minutes and finished minus-nine, while Beringer ended the game with:
10 points
8 rebounds
Multiple blocks
Team-best plus-nine in a three-point loss
The numbers and the eye test suggest Beringer has earned consistent rotation minutes, even when Rudy Gobert returns.
Timberwolves bench scoring remains a concern
The Wolves’ bench scoring problem was clear, especially with Naz Reid injured.
Bones Highland scored seven points, Beringer added ten, and the rest of the bench combined for zero points. When Reid is unavailable or has an off night, Minnesota lacks reliable secondary scoring.
This remains one of the biggest questions heading toward the playoffs.
Donte DiVincenzo leads the NBA in plus-minus since January 1
According to StatMuse, Donte DiVincenzo leads the entire NBA in plus-minus at +112 since January 1.
DiVincenzo’s impact goes beyond shooting percentages. His defense, physicality, effort, and ability to stabilize lineups have been critical. When he leaves the floor, the Wolves’ guard play noticeably drops off.
Looking ahead: Timberwolves schedule and record prediction
Minnesota’s upcoming schedule includes games against:
Utah Jazz
Chicago Bulls
Golden State Warriors
With health improving and Beringer emerging as a rotation option, the Wolves have a realistic chance to go 3–0 in the upcoming stretch.
Final thoughts on the Timberwolves’ week
The Timberwolves’ 1–2 week revealed more optimism than concern. Anthony Edwards proved he can take over games at an elite level, Joan Beringer showed he belongs in the rotation, and Minnesota continues to look like a legitimate Western Conference contender when healthy.
For Wolves fans, this week felt less like a setback and more like a glimpse of what this team can be when the rotation settles.
