Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. The victory marked the seventh consecutive win for the Thunder, improving their record to an Western Conference-best 27-5.
Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Lu Dort and Jalen Williams chipped in 14 points apiece. Oklahoma City rallied after a slow start, overcoming a six-point halftime deficit by dominating the third quarter 43-23.
Minnesota, which dropped to 17-15, was led by Anthony Edwards, who recorded 20 points and seven rebounds. Naz Reid added 19 points off the bench, and Mike Conley tallied 16 points, but their efforts fell short as the Timberwolves were undone by a flurry of turnovers and a third-quarter collapse.
Oklahoma City’s defense was pivotal, forcing 24 turnovers, including 16 steals. The Thunder’s pressure stifled Minnesota’s offense, which had been efficient in the first half. Edwards and Conley struggled to find openings as the Thunder’s aggressive play disrupted passing lanes.
Minnesota made a late push, cutting the Thunder’s lead to 106-103 with just over two minutes remaining. Gilgeous-Alexander quickly responded with a clutch 3-pointer to extend the lead to six, effectively sealing the win for Oklahoma City.
Hartenstein’s presence in the paint provided stability for the Thunder, as he hauled in key rebounds and converted five of his ten field goal attempts. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort also contributed on both ends of the court, combining for nine assists and three steals.
Despite the loss, Minnesota’s bench provided solid contributions, with Reid’s 19 points and Donte DiVincenzo’s 10 points keeping the game competitive in stretches. However, the team’s 23 turnovers proved costly, as the Timberwolves squandered a 12-point lead in the third quarter.
