Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game absence to score 26 points and grab 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves (18-10) over the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-3) 112-107 at Target Center on Friday night. Edwards also secured a key defensive rebound and stole the ball from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the final possession to seal the win.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points and seven assists, but Oklahoma City dropped its second game in three contests after a 24-1 start this season.
Julius Randle struggled for Minnesota, scoring 19 points on 3-for-15 shooting, and missed a critical free throw with 53 seconds left that set up Edwards’ clutch shot.
Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid each added 15 points, while Rudy Gobert pulled down 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who had lost to the Thunder in five games during last season’s Western Conference finals. Minnesota built a 35-34 third-quarter advantage and extended it with strong defensive stops down the stretch.
The first half saw both teams struggle from the field, with the Timberwolves shooting 34% and Oklahoma City 39%, while Minnesota made just 33 of 47 free throws. Despite the shooting woes, the Wolves used timely rebounds and bench contributions to stay close heading into the final period.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was ejected early in the first quarter after disputing non-calls on the Thunder, intensifying an already charged atmosphere at Target Center during the national broadcast against the defending champions.
Minnesota improves to 18-10 and will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, while the Thunder drop to 25-3 and return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
