Houston Rockets Triumph Over Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025 NBA Summer League

In a thrilling matchup during the 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League, the Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 104-101 at the Pavilion on July 19, 2025. The game showcased an impressive performance by Rockets' guard Kennedy Chandler, who scored a total of 20 points, with 15 of those coming in a critical second half that swung momentum in favor of Houston.

The Timberwolves began the game strong, establishing a 31-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite a competitive second quarter, Minnesota maintained a nine-point advantage at halftime, leading 57-48. However, the Rockets mounted a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to seven points as they entered the final period.

Chandler's performance was pivotal, as he shot 6-for-14 from the field and contributed six assists and a steal, proving instrumental in Houston's offensive resurgence. Alongside Chandler, Adonis Arms and Kevon Harris each added 18 points, while Mylik Wilson delivered an all-around performance with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block.

The fourth quarter saw the Timberwolves initially extend their lead with a 5-0 run. However, the Rockets quickly retaliated, outscoring Minnesota 27-12 in the final stretch of the game, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience.

On the opposing side, the Timberwolves were led by Tristen Newton, who scored 24 points, along with five rebounds and 10 assists. Jesse Edwards contributed with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Amari Bailey added 17 points and four assists.

This matchup not only highlighted individual talents but also set the stage for the overall competitive nature of the NBA Summer League, where emerging players aim to make their mark.

The game, part of a broader series of Summer League events scheduled from July 10-20, 2025, reflects the increasing importance of this platform for young talent in the NBA. The Summer League serves as a critical opportunity for teams to evaluate new players, particularly rookies and two-way contracts, ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

As the league continues to evolve, the performances of players like Chandler and Newton will be closely monitored, as they may play significant roles in their respective teams during the regular season. The implications of these games extend beyond wins and losses, offering insights into team dynamics and future strategies as franchises prepare for the challenges of the NBA landscape in the upcoming season.