NBA Roundup: Edwards Returns with a Bang, Wemby Makes History, and the Sixers Snap the Streak
Friday night in the NBA wasn’t just another December slate - it was a reminder of how quickly the league can shift when stars return, rookies rise, and contenders get humbled on their home floor.
Let’s break it down.
Timberwolves Get Their Edge Back - and Their Star Too
The Timberwolves had a point to prove, and they made it loud and clear. After watching last season slip away in painful fashion, Minnesota came out with a fire that matched the energy inside Target Center. And with Anthony Edwards back in the lineup after a three-game absence, the Wolves looked like a team ready to reclaim their momentum.
Edwards didn’t just play - he took over. The 22-year-old dropped 26 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and hit the dagger three with 38.5 seconds left to push Minnesota past the defending champs, 112-107. He followed it up with a clutch rebound and a game-sealing steal on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who still managed to pour in 35 points and dish out seven assists.
This wasn’t just about numbers. It was about timing. Edwards showed up exactly when Minnesota needed him most.
And the atmosphere? Electric - and a little chaotic.
Head coach Chris Finch didn’t even make it through the first quarter. After a heated exchange with the officials, he was ejected, needing to be held back by assistants and security.
That kind of emotion trickled down to the floor, where the Wolves played with an edge that felt personal.
Julius Randle struggled to find his rhythm, going just 3-of-15 from the field. But it was his missed free throw late that left the door open for Edwards to slam it shut. With the win, Minnesota moves to 18-10 - a statement victory against a Thunder team that entered the night 25-2 and now finds itself with two losses in three games.
Wembanyama Joins Elite Company with Block Milestone
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season was already special. Now it’s historic.
In a 126-98 win over the Hawks, the Spurs phenom recorded his 100th consecutive regular-season game with at least one block - a feat only Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo have ever accomplished. Wemby’s doing it before he turns 21.
And he didn’t just make history - he filled the box score. The 7-foot-4 sensation put up 26 points, handed out 12 assists, and added two more blocks to his growing highlight reel. His impact continues to be felt on both ends of the floor, and San Antonio is reaping the benefits.
At 20-7, the Spurs are not only ahead of schedule - they’re starting to look like a team that’s figured out how to win consistently. Wembanyama’s presence changes everything, and nights like this are becoming the norm.
Maxey, Sixers Cool Off the Knicks at the Garden
Madison Square Garden had the party set - the Knicks were celebrating their NBA Cup title, riding a six-game win streak, and looking like one of the hottest teams in the league.
Then Tyrese Maxey walked in and shut it all down.
Maxey dropped 30 points to lead the Sixers to a 116-107 win, handing New York a rare home loss and snapping the streak. Without Joel Embiid in the lineup, Philadelphia needed someone to step up - and Maxey delivered.
But it wasn’t just him. Andre Drummond turned back the clock, finishing with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and even knocking down three of four from beyond the arc. Yes, that Andre Drummond.
While the Knicks had the confetti ready, the Sixers had the answers. Philadelphia’s depth and resilience showed, and they left MSG with a win that might carry a little extra weight come spring.
Bottom Line:
From Edwards’ clutch heroics to Wembanyama’s historic consistency and Maxey’s MSG takeover, Friday night was a showcase of what makes the NBA so compelling. Stars stepping up, records falling, and contenders getting tested - this league never sleeps.