Timberwolves Prevail in Game 3 Against Thunder
MINNEAPOLIS – Following a tough outing in Oklahoma City, Anthony Edwards is determined to keep the Minnesota spirit alive as the Western Conference finals heat up.
He seems to pull positive energy from somewhere.
Edwards delivered a standout performance, netting 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out six assists during the Timberwolves’ 143-101 win in Game 3, narrowing the series gap to 2-1.
“The ultimate pressure on the ball,” Edwards noted.
Julius Randle contributed with 24 points, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. added 15 points in just 13 minutes, significantly boosting the Timberwolves’ bench play.
“Their control on that side of the court surpassed our physicality and pressure. We usually hold our own,” remarked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled, scoring only 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and turning the ball over four times. He left the game at 4:25 left in the fourth quarter, as the team trailed by 38 points and had a tough time, only reaching 22 points early in the second quarter.
“We felt a bit too at ease in the game, while they didn’t,” Gilgeous-Alexander reflected. “They pressured us quickly, and we couldn’t recover.”
The next matchup, Game 4, will be in Minneapolis on Monday night.
The travel and venue shift seemed to impact the Thunder’s shooting percentage sharply. They managed to hit only half of their attempts from the floor in the initial two games, struggling to just 12 out of 40 in the first half on Saturday.
Recently crowned NBA MVP Gilgeous-Alexander endured over 13 minutes without scoring, with the Target Center crowd booing every time he touched the ball, alluding to his reputation for drawing fouls.
Randle, having been briefly sidelined in a previous game, found his rhythm again and played a key role in the victory.
Edwards also rediscovered his 3-point shooting touch, bouncing back from a 1-for-9 showing in Game 2 to hit 5 of 8 this time around.
He thrived on the fast pace and aggressive defensive pressure, chasing loose balls that often turned into impressive breakaway dunks.
The Timberwolves, who had been outscored 69-37 in the third quarters of the first two games, worked hard to avoid any slumps after halftime.
Edwards created opportunities, finding Isaiah Joe for some strong corner shots and helping to build a commanding 79-52 lead.
“That’s essential for him, and when he’s on, it elevates our game,” said Coach Chris Finch.
