The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 116-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, ending the West leaders’ seven-game winning streak.
Naz Reid delivered a dominant performance with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, leading short-handed Minnesota (31-25) past Oklahoma City (44-10) before the All-Star break. Anthony Edwards added 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 21 in a game where the Timberwolves overcame the absence of key frontcourt players.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who entered the game as the NBA’s leading scorer at 32.6 points per contest, was limited to 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. He struggled early, shooting 2-for-13 in the first half and finishing 6-for-21 overall. His streak of 25-point games ended at 22.
Minnesota started strong, taking a 37-24 lead in the first quarter behind Reid’s inside presence and McDaniels’ perimeter scoring. Oklahoma City responded with a 32-point second quarter, trimming the deficit to eight at halftime. The Timberwolves maintained control in the third, outscoring the Thunder 33-31 before sealing the win with a 19-14 fourth quarter.
Terrence Shannon Jr. provided a spark off the bench, scoring all 13 of his points in the first half. The rookie’s energy helped Minnesota withstand a Thunder rally led by Jalen Williams, who scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting.
Oklahoma City struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 7-of-29 (24.1%) from three-point range. Chet Holmgren, playing his second game after resting against Miami, recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds but had difficulty finishing against Minnesota’s interior defense.
The Timberwolves controlled the rebounding battle 54-49 and benefited from efficient free-throw shooting, converting 20-of-22 (90.9%). Reid’s versatility allowed Minnesota to exploit Oklahoma City’s defensive gaps, while Edwards and McDaniels combined for five three-pointers to stretch the floor.
Minnesota entered the game following a two-point home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks but responded with resilience despite missing four of their top eight scorers. The win keeps them in the mix in the Western Conference standings as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
