The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Rocket Arena, overcoming a game-high 47 points from Anthony Edwards. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points and seven assists as the Cavaliers erased a 10-point halftime deficit and improved to 2-1.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Timberwolves Establish a Seven-Point Lead

Minnesota outscored Cleveland 31-24 in the opening quarter, putting the Cavaliers behind early in front of an announced crowd of 19,432.

Second Quarter: Minnesota Extends Its Advantage

The Timberwolves followed with a 29-26 second quarter to take a 60-50 halftime lead. Minnesota won both first-half periods, leaving Cleveland needing a substantial improvement after the break.

Third Quarter: Cavaliers Draw Level

Cleveland delivered its highest-scoring quarter of the game, outscoring Minnesota 36-26. That 10-point advantage erased the entire halftime deficit and sent the teams into the fourth tied at 86-86.

Fourth Quarter: Teams Head to Overtime

Both teams scored 27 points in the fourth quarter, finishing regulation tied at 113-113. Neither side gained a net advantage during the period, extending the game to overtime.

Overtime: Cleveland Earns the Two-Point Win

The Cavaliers outscored the Timberwolves 14-12 in the extra period to secure the 127-125 victory. After matching Minnesota through four quarters, Cleveland found the narrow separation it needed in overtime.

Key Performers

  • Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: Led all scorers with 47 points, accounting for 37.6% of Minnesota’s total offense.
  • Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers: Led Cleveland with 26 points and added seven assists.
  • James Harden, Cavaliers: Recorded a team-high nine assists, helping Cleveland finish with 30.
  • Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves: Collected a game-high 19 rebounds as Minnesota earned a 52-48 advantage on the boards.
  • Evan Mobley, Cavaliers: Led Cleveland with nine rebounds.
  • LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves: Paced Minnesota with six assists.

NerdSports Stat: Cleveland outscored Minnesota by 18 points on 3-pointers and free throws combined, exactly enough to offset a 16-point deficit on two-point baskets and produce its two-point victory.

Game Analysis

Three-Point Shooting Gives Cleveland the Edge

Minnesota made more field goals and shot a higher percentage overall, finishing 49-for-100 compared with Cleveland’s 46-for-102. The Cavaliers made their perimeter opportunities count, however, converting 18 of 45 attempts from beyond the arc for 40.0%. The Timberwolves finished 13-for-40, or 32.5%.

Those five additional 3-pointers gave Cleveland a 15-point advantage from long range. The Cavaliers also made 17 of 23 free throws, while Minnesota went 14-for-22. In a game decided by two points, those differences outweighed the Timberwolves’ advantages in total baskets and rebounds.

Third-Quarter Response Changes the Game

Cleveland’s 36-26 third quarter was the pivotal stretch in the scoring breakdown. The Cavaliers recovered all 10 points of their halftime deficit in one period, then matched Minnesota’s fourth-quarter production before edging ahead in overtime.

Cleveland also finished with 30 assists to Minnesota’s 25. Harden and Mitchell combined for 16, giving the Cavaliers two productive playmakers alongside Mitchell’s team-leading scoring contribution.

What the Result Means

Cleveland improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 at home in the early Eastern Conference schedule. Minnesota fell to 3-1 overall and 2-1 on the road, taking its first loss of the season despite Edwards’ 47-point performance. Both teams return to action Wednesday, October 28: the Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards at 4:00 p.m. PDT, while the Timberwolves face the Golden State Warriors at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves game on October 26, 2026?

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime on October 26, 2026.

How many points did Anthony Edwards score?

Anthony Edwards scored 47 points. His individual shooting percentage was not included in the supplied game statistics.

What are the Cleveland Cavaliers’ standings after this game?

After the win, the Cleveland Cavaliers sit at 2-1 in the Eastern Conference.

Who was the best player in the game?

Anthony Edwards was the standout individual performer with a game-high 47 points, though Donovan Mitchell led the winning Cavaliers with 26 points and seven assists.