Minneapolis, MN - The Minnesota Timberwolves achieved a remarkable milestone on Saturday night, setting a franchise record for points scored in a playoff game. They decisively defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 143-101, narrowing their series deficit to 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals. This impressive victory showcased the team's offensive prowess and marked a significant bounce-back after two defeats in Oklahoma.
Leading the charge for the Timberwolves was Anthony Edwards, who delivered an outstanding performance with 30 points, accompanied by nine rebounds and six assists in just 30 minutes of play. Following the game, the three-time All-Star emphasized the importance of matching the energy of their opponents, stating, “It’s about just bringing the energy with a team like this. OKC plays with a ton of energy, no matter what, first or fourth quarter.” His leadership on the court was crucial to the Wolves’ success.
In addition to Edwards, several other players made significant contributions to the victory. Julius Randle scored 24 points, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. impressed fans and analysts alike with 15 points in just 13 minutes. Randle praised Shannon’s impact, saying, “We knew that we would need him this series, and coach obviously has a lot of trust in him.” Shannon's energy and intensity provided a much-needed boost to the Timberwolves, showcasing the depth of their roster.
The Timberwolves’ bench outperformed the Thunder's starters, scoring 66-49 on the night. This depth was instrumental in creating a comfortable lead, allowing the team to dominate much of the game. After returning home to the Target Center, where they have lost only once in their last eleven games, the Wolves were eager to capitalize on their home court advantage.
Despite being known for having the best defense in the NBA, the Thunder faced an uphill battle from the start. A quick 12-0 run in the first quarter set the tone, with the Timberwolves taking an early lead of 25-9. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 34-14, and the Thunder never managed to close the gap to less than 22 points during the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been named NBA MVP earlier in the week, struggled significantly, scoring only 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting. With the Thunder trailing by 38 points in the third quarter, head coach Mark Daigneault made the decision to bench his star player, much to the relief of the home crowd that had been vocal in their disapproval. Following the game, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the team's lack of energy and focus, stating, “They just came out with a sense of urgency and we didn’t.”
As the series continues, the Timberwolves are determined to capitalize on their home advantage once again. With Game 4 scheduled for Monday night, fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Wolves can tie the series at 2-2. The energy and performance displayed in Saturday’s record-setting game will be crucial as they look to maintain their momentum and push forward in the playoffs.
