In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Anthony Edwards scored 16 of his game-high 30 points in the first quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a resounding 143-101 home victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday. Edwards not only outscored the Thunder by himself in the first quarter, tallying 16 points to Oklahoma City's 14, but he also ignited his team to a 34-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Timberwolves maintained their momentum throughout the game, finishing the first half with a commanding 72-41 advantage and entering the fourth quarter with a 107-70 lead. The final score reflected their dominance, showcasing a 42-point victory that left little doubt about their intentions in this playoff series.
Edwards' performance was nothing short of sensational. Along with his 30 points, he contributed nine rebounds—eight of which came in the first half—six assists, and two steals. His presence on the court was palpable, as Minnesota outscored Oklahoma City by an impressive 36 points with him on the floor. Fans and analysts alike were left in awe of his ability to set the tone early and keep the pressure on the Thunder throughout the game.
While Edwards was the standout star, the Timberwolves received exceptional contributions from several teammates. Notably, Julius Randle scored 24 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting, finishing the game with a plus-minus of +38. The depth of the Timberwolves was showcased as four reserves—Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Leonard Miller, and Terrance Shannon Jr.—each scored in double figures. Shannon, in particular, provided a vital spark early in the second quarter, netting nine points within the first 3:32 to extend Minnesota's lead to 46-20.
Interestingly, Shannon’s 15 points in Game 3 surpassed the total points scored by any player from the Thunder, highlighting his unexpected yet impactful performance. As a team, the Timberwolves demonstrated remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 57.3 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, while dominating the boards with a 57-41 rebounding advantage.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, struggled to find their rhythm. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with just 14 points on a dismal 4-of-13 shooting performance. The Thunder faced a challenging outing, shooting only 40.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved detrimental, especially while playing on the road.
This game marked a significant turnaround for the Timberwolves, who had lost the first two games of this best-of-seven series by a combined 41 points—one point less than their victory margin in Game 3. With this commanding win, Minnesota has revitalized its chances in the series, now eyeing its first-ever appearance in the NBA Finals. As the playoffs progress, the Timberwolves will look to build on this momentum, with Edwards at the forefront of their quest for championship glory.
Overall, this match not only displayed the exceptional talent of Anthony Edwards but also highlighted the Timberwolves’ resilience and capability as a team. The future looks promising as they continue their playoff journey.
