Monday was a step back in the right direction for Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

After a pair of hideous home defeats over the weekend, the Timberwolves were dominant for a quarter and a half to cruise to a 138-116 victory over the short-handed Hawks.

Minnesota out-scored Atlanta 40-22 in the second frame to open up its advantage, which it pushed to 31 midway through the third quarter.

Anthony Edwards had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists at the half. Julius Randle had a triple double with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and newcomer Ayo Dosunmu had 21 points in his second game with the Wolves.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Gabe Vincent (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Atlanta was without Dyson Daniels and Jaylen Johnson, the team’s two best players.

The Hawks did, however, have Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Minnesota honored the guard with a tribute video during pre-game introductions, and he reminded the Wolves faithful why he was such a valuable piece for the past few seasons.

Alexander-Walker finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists — a stat line no Wolves player has replicated this season. Alexander-Walker and Edwards exchanged jerseys after the game.

Minnesota continues its homestand with a 7 p.m. tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The game will be televised on FDSN.