March 31, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN
In a game marked by a significant on-court altercation, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 123-104 victory over the Detroit Pistons at the Target Center. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Edwards contributed 25 points. Rudy Gobert dominated the boards, recording 19 points and 25 rebounds. On the Pistons’ side, Malik Beasley stood out with 27 points.
Second-Quarter Incident Leads to Multiple Ejections
The game took a contentious turn in the second quarter following a hard foul by Detroit’s Ron Holland II on Minnesota’s Naz Reid. The foul sparked a skirmish involving players and coaching staff from both teams, resulting in the ejection of seven individuals:
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni.
- Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
The altercation escalated to the extent that it spilled into the stands, causing disruption among spectators and arena staff. A camera operator was reportedly knocked over during the melee.
Game Progression and Key Moments
Despite trailing by 16 points in the first quarter, the Timberwolves demonstrated resilience. They narrowed the gap to a 60-54 deficit by halftime. The third quarter saw Minnesota outscore Detroit 38-23, seizing control of the game. Anthony Edwards was instrumental during this period, scoring 18 points and sinking four three-pointers. The Timberwolves maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, outpacing the Pistons 31-21 to clinch the win.
Implications and Upcoming Games
This victory marks the Timberwolves’ third win in their last four games, bringing their season record to 43-32. The Pistons, who had been on a three-game winning streak despite the absence of All-Star guard Cade Cunningham due to a calf injury, now hold a 42-33 record. The ejections of key rotation players during the game posed a significant challenge to Detroit’s depth.
Looking ahead, the Pistons are scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Timberwolves will visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
