Edwards scores 49 as Timberwolves hold off Spurs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards set a career high with 49 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves hung on for a 127-121 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

Edwards’ big output came on 16-of-28 shooting and 6 of 14 from 3-point range. He found multiple ways to score, including a highlight-reel dunk and a game-high 11 free throws. He added eight rebounds and six assists, too.

With the ball in his hands late in the game and a chance at 50 points, Wolves fans rose to their feet as Edwards shot from deep. He missed four times from long range in the final minutes but made two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining to finish with 49.

“That's love,” Edwards said of the fans. “I appreciate that, for sure.”

Keldon Johnson had 20 points and Devin Vassell scored 18 for San Antonio. Eight players reached double figures for the Spurs.

It was Edwards who gave the Wolves a spark early, scoring 15 of Minnesota’s 30 first-quarter points. But the second-year guard took over in the second half, making big shot after big shot to fend off the Spurs.

“He came out with great determination,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “Everything was aggressive and sharp and quick.”

With Denver's victory over Memphis on Thursday night, Minnesota is assured a play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday at Target Center.

It was the fifth 40-point game of Edwards' young career. The Timberwolves hope Edwards — who missed time in early March with a knee injury — continues to click as they head toward the postseason.

“This is just more than a win, man. He had a night that's unforgettable,” Towns said. “He's been struggling recently, but he just kept working and kept working,