Durant and Alperen Sengun were the only Rockets to account for more than one field goal in that span, with Amen Thompson the only other player to even hit a shot. They would rev up near the end of the first frame with three 3-pointers, two of which came from second-year guard Reed Sheppard. Sheppard finished with 14 points off the bench.

Kevin Durant delivers an “energy” reminder at 37 years old after leading the Houston Rockets past the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Randle had season-high 39 points for the Timberwolves on a night when Anthony Edwards missed a second straight game with a foot issue.

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota visits Houston in Western Conference action Friday. The Rockets are 12-14 against Western Conference opponents. Houston ranks third in the Western Conference with 53.2 points per game in the paint led by Alperen Sengun averaging 13.7.

Preview the Boston Celtics' NBA matchup with the Hawks, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.