The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a statement performance at Target Center on February 12, 2026, overpowering the Portland Trail Blazers 133-109 in front of an enthusiastic Minneapolis crowd. This Western Conference showdown, which many saw as an opportunity for the surging Trail Blazers to extend their win streak, quickly turned into a showcase of Timberwolves’ offensive firepower and resilience, even amidst pregame uncertainty around their star guard Anthony Edwards.
Coming into the contest, the Trail Blazers were riding high—a three-game win streak had them brimming with confidence. Their last outing, a convincing 135-118 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, showcased a team finding its rhythm despite a rash of injuries. Damian Lillard, out for the season with an Achilles injury, was joined on the sidelines by Kris Murray (back), Shaedon Sharpe (calf), and Matisse Thybulle (knee). The Timberwolves, meanwhile, had their own questions to answer. Anthony Edwards, fresh off a 30-point night against the Atlanta Hawks, was listed as questionable due to illness. Terrence Shannon Jr. was also unavailable with a foot injury.
Oddsmakers had installed Minnesota as the clear favorite, with most sportsbooks listing the Timberwolves at -5.5 and a moneyline hovering around -230. Many analysts, however, wondered if the Blazers’ recent momentum and the uncertainty around Edwards’ status could tilt the odds in Portland’s favor. The teams’ previous meeting, a 118-114 Timberwolves win in Portland to open the season, suggested another close contest could be in store.
But from the opening tip, the Timberwolves seized control. Shooting a blistering 52% from the field and knocking down 41% of their three-point attempts, Minnesota’s offense was relentless. The story of the night belonged to their leading scorer, who erupted for 41 points on 14-of-24 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 2 assists to his stat line. He attacked the rim with authority, drained perimeter shots, and set the tone with a dazzling display of athleticism and shot-making. Another Timberwolves standout chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, providing a steady hand and keeping the offense humming.
Portland, to their credit, fought valiantly. The Blazers shot 43% overall and 36% from deep, but struggled to keep pace with Minnesota’s relentless scoring. One Blazer poured in 23 points and dished out 6 assists, while three other starters reached double digits. Yet, the absence of key contributors was evident, as the bench struggled to provide consistent support and the defense found itself overwhelmed by Minnesota’s pace and precision.
Injuries continued to shape the narrative for Portland. With Lillard, Sharpe, Thybulle, and Murray all sidelined, head coach Chauncey Billups was forced to rely on a shortened rotation. The Blazers’ energy was there—at least early—but as the Timberwolves’ lead ballooned, fatigue and frustration began to set in. Portland’s bench, which had been a source of optimism during their recent win streak, managed just 48 points combined, compared to Minnesota’s 37, but the disparity in efficiency and defensive impact was glaring.
The Timberwolves’ dominance extended beyond the box score. They outrebounded Portland 43-50, forced 25 Blazers turnovers, and racked up 14 steals and 11 blocks, suffocating Portland’s attack and turning defense into easy offense. Minnesota’s ability to convert stops into fast-break points and capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved decisive. One highlight saw Naz Reid elevate for a thunderous dunk, igniting the crowd and sending a message that the Timberwolves were not about to let this one slip away.
For Portland, there were flashes of promise. Scoot Henderson, still working his way back from a lengthy hamstring injury, continued to show glimpses of his playmaking prowess, tallying 11 points and 9 assists in limited minutes. His vision and creativity offered a silver lining for a Blazers team looking to stay afloat in the playoff hunt despite their depleted roster. As one analyst noted before the game, “The Blazers are easing Henderson back into the lineup, but he should continue to play at least 20 minutes per game off the bench, and he clearly still has his vision.”
Pregame predictions had been split, with some experts favoring the Blazers to cover the spread or even pull off the upset, especially if Edwards was limited or unavailable. But as the final buzzer sounded, there was no doubt which team had made the bigger statement. The Timberwolves’ 133 points were a testament to their offensive depth and adaptability, and the win improved their season record to 34-22, further solidifying their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The Blazers, meanwhile, dropped to 26-29, left to regroup and refocus as they continue a challenging back-to-back before the All-Star break.
Fans tuning in on KUNP and FDSN, or streaming via BlazerVision and League Pass, saw a Timberwolves squad that looked every bit the part of a postseason contender. The atmosphere at Target Center was electric, with the home crowd feeding off every highlight and defensive stand. Even with Edwards’ health in question before tipoff, the Timberwolves’ supporting cast stepped up in a big way, reminding the rest of the league that Minnesota has multiple weapons capable of taking over a game.
As for Portland, the loss stings—but there are reasons for optimism. The team’s recent surge, fueled by gritty wins and the emergence of young talent, suggests that the Blazers are not far from turning the corner. The return of Henderson and the eventual reintegration of their injured stars could make them a dangerous opponent down the stretch. For now, though, the focus shifts to recovery and regrouping as the All-Star break approaches.
In the end, the Timberwolves’ 133-109 victory was as emphatic as it gets. They shot efficiently, defended with intensity, and executed their game plan to near perfection. The Trail Blazers, hampered by injuries but not lacking in fight, simply ran into a buzzsaw on a night when Minnesota could do little wrong. With the season series now 2-0 in favor of the Timberwolves, the Western Conference playoff picture just got a little clearer—and a lot more interesting.