Rockets Fall to Timberwolves in High-Scoring Affair

Amen Thompson scores career-high 41 points in losing effort

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:32pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic energy and motion of a basketball game, with players' forms blending into vibrant, swirling brushstrokes.Amen Thompson's career night wasn't enough to lift the Rockets over the high-powered Timberwolves in a thrilling, back-and-forth contest.Houston Today

The Houston Rockets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-132 in a back-and-forth, high-scoring game at the Toyota Center on Friday night. Rockets rookie Amen Thompson had a career-high 41 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Timberwolves' offensive onslaught.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Rockets, who are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Thompson's breakout performance, however, is an encouraging sign for the team's future as they continue to rebuild around their young core.

The details

The Rockets and Timberwolves traded blows throughout the game, with neither team able to pull away. Thompson was a bright spot for Houston, shooting an efficient 15-of-24 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. But the Timberwolves' balanced attack, led by 28 points from Anthony Edwards and 25 from Karl-Anthony Towns, proved too much for the Rockets to overcome.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 11, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The players

Amen Thompson

A rookie guard for the Houston Rockets who had a career-high 41 points in the loss.

Anthony Edwards

A star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 28 points in the win.

Karl-Anthony Towns

An All-Star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 25 points in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“Amen really stepped up for us tonight, but we just couldn't get enough stops down the stretch to pull this one out.”

— Stephen Silas, Head Coach, Houston Rockets

“Our guys did a great job of sharing the ball and making the extra pass. That's the kind of team basketball that's going to win us games.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

The Rockets will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Phoenix Suns, while the Timberwolves will try to build on this win when they travel to face the Denver Nuggets.

The takeaway

Despite Amen Thompson's heroic effort, the Rockets' struggles continued as they fell to the Timberwolves in a high-scoring affair. The loss is a setback in their playoff push, but Thompson's breakout performance provides hope for the team's future.