Cavaliers rally past Timberwolves 127-125 in OT, spoiling Anthony Edwards' 47 points; rookie Meleek Thomas sparks comeback

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ perfect start is over. The Cleveland Cavaliers came back from 15 points down to beat Minnesota 127-125 in overtime on Monday night at Rocket Arena, despite 47 points from Anthony Edwards.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26, including five in overtime, and hit the go-ahead shot with 48 seconds left, the Associated Press reported. Rookie Meleek Thomas scored 16 in his NBA debut, and the Cavs credited him with sparking the rally, ESPN reported.

Minnesota fell to 3-1 after opening with three straight blowout wins. Cleveland improved to 2-1.

Yesterday’s preview covered Edwards’ knee status. He was cleared and played, and this is the final.

Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers box score highlights

Stats from the AP and CBS Sports.

Anthony Edwards’ 47 wasn’t enough

Edwards had been listed questionable earlier Monday with what the team called right knee injury management before being cleared, and it didn’t slow him down. It was the seventh time in his career he has scored at least 47 and his most ever against Cleveland, the AP said.

He made a 3-pointer to tie the game at 121 in overtime. But with Minnesota down three and 9.2 seconds left, LaMelo Ball missed two free throws. Edwards grabbed the rebound and missed a wide-open 3 from the top of the key, per the AP.

Meleek Thomas makes an instant impact

Thomas, the 34th overall pick in June’s NBA draft, went 6 of 10 from the field and 4 of 5 from 3-point range in 19 minutes off the bench, with two rebounds and a steal, CBS Sports reported. ESPN said the Cavaliers credited him with sparking the win.

His shooting came as Cleveland chipped away at a deficit that reached 15 in the second quarter.

How the Cavaliers came back

• Minnesota led 69-58 at one point before Cleveland scored 12 straight points, eight by Harden, according to the AP.
• There were 15 lead changes and five ties in the final 21 1/2 minutes.
• Harden forced overtime with a 7-foot floater from the left corner with 10.4 seconds left, tying it 113-113.
• In overtime, Mitchell’s 19-foot fadeaway gave Cleveland the lead for good at 123-121.
• Harden made two free throws with 13 seconds left, and Peyton Watson sealed it with two more with 3.9 seconds to go.

Cleveland has now won its last four home games against Minnesota.

What’s next

• Timberwolves: Host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
• Cavaliers: Host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers: Anthony Edwards cleared to play as unbeaten Minnesota visits Cleveland (Oct 26)