Final score: Minnesota Timberwolves 125, Miami Heat 124
Date: October 11, 2026
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami

Timberwolves Outlast Heat in One-Point Road Thriller

The Minnesota Timberwolves escaped Miami with a 125-124 victory over the Heat on October 11, 2026, closing a back-and-forth contest with a go-ahead three-pointer in the final 20 seconds. Anthony Edwards led the way with 34 points, and Minnesota's late-game execution made the difference in a game that featured 18 lead changes and 11 ties.

Miami had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but Tyler Herro's contested three from the top of the key rimmed out, and Bam Adebayo's tip-in attempt rolled off the rim as time expired. The loss dropped the Heat to 2-2 in the early schedule, while the Timberwolves improved to 3-1.

Match Overview

Both teams came out firing. Minnesota built a 34-30 lead after the first quarter behind Edwards' aggressive drives and Julius Randle's mid-range power game. Miami answered in the second quarter with a 32-28 run, sending the game into halftime tied at 62-62.

The Heat took control in the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 34-29 to take a 96-91 lead into the fourth. Herro caught fire from beyond the arc, and Adebayo's playmaking from the elbow repeatedly found cutters. But the Timberwolves responded with a 34-point fourth quarter, leaning on their defense and Edwards' shot creation.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• First quarter: Timberwolves 34, Heat 30
• Second quarter: Heat 32, Timberwolves 28 (halftime: 62-62)
• Third quarter: Heat 34, Timberwolves 29 (Heat led 96-91)
• Fourth quarter: Timberwolves 34, Heat 28

Key Moments

With 1:12 left, Miami led 122-119 after Herro knocked down two free throws. Edwards answered with a step-back three over Adebayo to tie the game at 122-122. Herro then hit a pull-up jumper to put Miami back in front 124-122 with 38 seconds remaining.

On the next possession, Edwards drove into the paint, drew two defenders, and kicked the ball to Jaden McDaniels in the corner. McDaniels buried the go-ahead three with 18.9 seconds left, making it 125-124. Miami's final possession gave Herro a clean look from 28 feet, but the shot hit the back rim. Adebayo grabbed the offensive rebound, but his putback attempt rolled off as the horn sounded.

Tactical Story

Minnesota's size proved decisive. Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with 16 rebounds and four blocks, while Randle helped the Timberwolves win the rebounding battle 48-41. Minnesota also held a 54-46 advantage in points in the paint, punishing Miami's smaller lineups.

Miami used a zone defense to disrupt Minnesota's rhythm in the third quarter, forcing 15 turnovers and generating transition chances. But the Heat surrendered 18 second-chance points and struggled to contain Edwards in isolation. The Timberwolves shot 15-of-38 from three-point range, while Miami finished 17-of-45 from deep.

Standout Players

• Anthony Edwards (MIN): 34 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 5 three-pointers
• Julius Randle (MIN): 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
• Rudy Gobert (MIN): 12 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks
• Jaden McDaniels (MIN): 15 points, including the go-ahead three
• Tyler Herro (MIA): 31 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
• Bam Adebayo (MIA): 22 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists
• Terry Rozier (MIA): 18 points, 5 assists

What It Means

The win gives Minnesota a valuable early-season road result and another example of its ability to execute in clutch situations. Edwards continues to look like one of the league's premier closers, and the Gobert-Randle frontcourt controlled the glass against a smaller Miami team.

For the Heat, the loss is a frustrating one after leading late. Miami's half-court offense generated good looks, but the defense could not get the final stop. The Heat will look to tighten their late-game rotations as the season progresses, while the Timberwolves continue their road trip with momentum.