Despite rally to force OT, Timberwolves fall to Rockets 117-111 in NBA Cup matchup

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped below .500 on Tuesday night, losing in overtime to the Houston Rockets in an NBA Cup group-play matchup at Target Center, 117-111.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, as every time the Timberwolves seemed to go on a run, the Rockets would answer.

The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 18 points in the third quarter to rally back, forcing overtime, but the Rockets went on a 12-0 run in the extra frame to seize the win.

Minnesota was able to rally back in the final 16 minutes, thanks to a Rob Dillingham three-pointer to get within one point and then taking the lead with 4:46 remaining, courteous of Anthony's Edwards' two free throws.

The Wolves scored the first three points in overtime via a free throw from Rudy Gobert and a Nickeil Alexander-Walker tip-in for two. However, it was all Rockets after that, as Amen Thompson hit a shot from deep, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a shot inside the paint, Alperen Şengün hit another three-pointer for Houston and then Dillon Brooks and Sengun each scored inside the three-point line to put the Rockets up 113-105 with 54 seconds remaining.

Dillingham had his best game of the season, finishing with 12 points and season highs with seven assists and five rebounds.

Edwards led the Wolves with 29 points and 10 rebounds, Julius Randle scored 21 and Naz Reid contributed 19 off the bench.

The Rockets forced 17 Timberwolves turnovers, an issue that remains ongoing with Minnesota. Sixteen points were scored off Minnesota's turnovers.

Minnesota has now dropped three consecutive games and moves to 8-9 on the season. The Rockets improve to 13-6.

Minnesota will play the second of a back-to-back on Wednesday night, when they host the Sacramento Kings (8-10) in NBA Cup group-play at Target Center.