NBA roundup: Cavaliers edge Timberwolves in overtime thriller as Rockets and Thunder stay perfect

The Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Minnesota Timberwolves their first defeat of the NBA season, securing a dramatic 127-125 overtime victory despite a spectacular 47-point performance from Anthony Edwards.

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points, while James Harden contributed 19 points and nine assists to help the Cavaliers improve their record to 2-1.

“Tough win for us, especially early in the season,” Harden said after the hard-fought victory.

Minnesota entered the contest unbeaten after winning its first three games and looked poised to extend that run after building a 15-point lead in the first half.

Edwards, who was cleared to play despite being listed as questionable with a right knee injury, immediately made his presence felt, scoring 11 points in the opening quarter.

However, Cleveland fought its way back into the contest in the third quarter before facing another challenge after falling seven points behind in the fourth.

Harden stepped up in the closing seconds, driving to the basket for a floater with 10 seconds remaining to tie the game. A crucial block on Edwards’ layup with four seconds left prevented Minnesota from winning in regulation, sending the matchup into overtime at 113-113.

The drama continued in the extra period as Edwards connected on a three-pointer with a minute remaining to level the score once again. Following a video review, Mitchell responded with a go-ahead midrange jumper to restore Cleveland’s advantage.

Minnesota’s Jonathan Kuminga then missed a free throw with 30 seconds remaining, allowing the Cavaliers to gain control. Harden converted two free throws, and Edwards missed a late attempt that could have kept the Timberwolves alive. Peyton Watson added two more free throws to secure Cleveland’s victory.

“We made a lot of mistakes on both ends of the basketball in that first half… second half, we did a better job,” Harden said.

Thunder Maintain Perfect Start Against Suns

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive opening run, defeating the Phoenix Suns 125-114 to improve to 4-0.

Ajay Mitchell delivered a career-best 30 points to lead the Thunder, while reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasised the importance of securing victories as Oklahoma City looks to maintain its strong start to the campaign.

“This league is about winning games, and that’s all that matters,” he said.

“We were just ready to go. Guys were ready to go. Guys were ready to step up,” the reigning MVP added.

Rockets Continue Unbeaten Run

The Houston Rockets also preserved their perfect record with a 120-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, moving to 4-0 for the first time since 2014.

Houston delivered a strong all-around performance, with superstar Kevin Durant resting for the entire fourth quarter as the Rockets comfortably closed out the contest.

Antetokounmpo Shines Despite Heat Defeat

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first triple-double with the Miami Heat, but his 29-point performance was not enough to prevent a 113-109 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The two-time NBA MVP, who joined Miami after leaving the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer, also contributed 14 rebounds and 11 assists.

Dallas rookie sensation Cooper Flagg matched Antetokounmpo with 29 points, adding 11 assists, six rebounds and a career-high five steals to help the Mavericks secure the win.

Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies improved to 4-0 after edging the Utah Jazz 110-105, while Brandon Miller exploded for 39 points to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 110-103 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Curry Leads Warriors to First Win of the Season

The Golden State Warriors finally got their first win of the campaign, overpowering the Denver Nuggets 134-114.

Stephen Curry led the way with 24 points, shooting a perfect eight-for-eight from the field as Golden State produced one of its strongest offensive performances of the young season.

Curry credited patience and improved decision-making for his efficient display, explaining that the team had been working on ways to create better offensive opportunities without forcing shots.

“I didn’t know it was going to be a perfect night like that, but glad it all came together,” Curry said.