Anthony Edwards had 49 points Wednesday night as the Timberwolves beat the Bulls, just missing his third career 50-point game. Edwards told reporters after the game he won't be participating in the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest.

Edwards had 14 as the Wolves opened a 21-point lead in the first quarter. But perennial Wolves killer Coby White had 11 points on 3-for-3 shooting in the first and the Bulls hunted matchups against Luka Garza as the Wolves went to their bench. Chicago went on a 22-9 run and got within 39-30 by the end of the first quarter.

Nothing Minnesota does is easy. It’s the theme of the 2024-25 Timberwolves campaign. The story was the same even in a 19-point victory.