The Minnesota Timberwolves responded emphatically in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, routing the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 on Saturday night to cut their series deficit to 2-1.
Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes, helping Minnesota flip the momentum after two double-digit losses in Oklahoma City.
Julius Randle added 24 points, bouncing back from a poor Game 2, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in 15 off the bench as the Timberwolves attacked the Thunder defense from all angles.
The Timberwolves shot 57.3 percent from the field and made 20 of their 40 three-point attempts, dominating every statistical category in front of a roaring Target Center crowd.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently named league MVP, finished with 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting and was benched midway through the third quarter with Oklahoma City trailing by 38.
Minnesota held the Thunder to 12-for-40 shooting in the first half and never allowed them to recover, opening up a 72-41 lead at halftime and extending it to as many as 46.
The Wolves outscored Oklahoma City 35-29 in the third quarter, marking their best second-half performance of the series after being outscored 69-37 in the third over Games 1 and 2.
Edwards found his rhythm from long range after struggling in Game 2, hitting five of eight from beyond the arc and pushing the pace in transition off Thunder turnovers.
Randle punished mismatches in the post and hit from midrange, rediscovering his offensive flow after being benched for the final period of Game 2.
Shannon Jr. delivered timely scoring off the bench, while Minnesota’s reserves combined for 76 points and 39 rebounds in one of their best showings of the postseason.
Oklahoma City’s defense, ranked first in the NBA during the regular season, couldn’t contain Minnesota’s multi-faceted attack, giving up their highest point total of the year.
The Timberwolves dominated the glass with a 57-41 rebounding edge and scored 20 fast break points, capitalizing on 14 Thunder turnovers.
The crowd at Target Center jeered Gilgeous-Alexander with chants of “Free throw merchant!” while Minnesota’s defense kept him from reaching the line frequently.
Game 4 will also be played in Minneapolis on Monday, where Minnesota will try to even the series before it shifts back to Oklahoma City.
