The Minnesota Timberwolves set a new franchise record for points scored in a playoff game on Saturday night, dominating the Oklahoma City Thunder 143–101 to narrow the series deficit to 2–1 in the Western Conference Finals.
Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just 30 minutes of play. He was one of seven Timberwolves players to score in double figures in a well-rounded offensive display.
“It’s about bringing the energy against a team like this,” said the three-time All-Star after the game. “OKC brings a lot of energy, no matter if it’s the first or fourth quarter. So we just tried to match or exceed that. That was our main focus today, and I think we delivered.”
Key contributions also came from Julius Randle, who added 24 points, and rookie Terrence Shannon Jr., who impressed with 15 points in only 13 minutes on the floor.
“Huge,” Randle said when asked about Shannon’s performance. “We knew we’d need him this series, and coach clearly trusts him. For him to be ready for his moment and come in with that energy and intensity—he gave us a big lift. He was a massive boost for our team today.”
Such was the impact of players like Terrence Shannon Jr. that Minnesota’s bench outperformed Oklahoma City’s starting lineup, outscoring them 66–49 on the night.
After dropping the first two games in Oklahoma, the Timberwolves clearly enjoyed being back at Target Center, where they’ve now won 10 of their last 11 games. Up by 34 points in the third quarter, Julius Randle could be seen shouting “We home now!” repeatedly toward the energized Minnesota crowd.
By then, the game was already well out of reach. Despite boasting the NBA’s top-ranked defense, the Thunder were quickly overwhelmed when Minnesota went on a 12-0 run in the first quarter to take a 25–9 lead.
The Wolves closed the opening quarter ahead 34–14, and from early in the second quarter onward, Oklahoma City never got closer than 22 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named NBA MVP earlier this week, had a tough night. After scoring 69 points over the first two games of the series, he was held to just 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
With 4:25 left in the third quarter and the Thunder trailing by 38, head coach Mark Daigneault waved the white flag, subbing out his star player — a move that drew loud cheers from the home crowd, who had booed him relentlessly all night.
“We just didn’t bring it in terms of energy and focus,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted after the game. “They came out with urgency, and we didn’t.”
The Timberwolves will look to take full advantage of home court again and even the series when the two teams face off in Game 4 on Monday night.
UA / TDS
