After getting punked twice in Oklahoma City, Minnesota’s season was on the line Saturday at Target Center.
Game 3 of the Western Conference finals wasn’t only a must-win, it was a must-set-a-tone. The Timberwolves had to remind the world — and, frankly, themselves — of who they are: A talented, physical, relentless collection.
Who better to deliver the message than Anthony Edwards.
The superstar guard did just that Saturday to power Minnesota to a 143-101 victory. The Wolves pulled within 2-1 in the series with Game 4 set for 7:30 p.m. Monday in Minneapolis.
Yes, Edwards scored 16 points in the first quarter, actually outscoring the Thunder as a whole in that frame. But more importantly, he was tenacious in every aspect of the game. His defense was harassing out on the perimeter, producing a number of steals that led to highlight finishes in transition.
He was a monster on the glass, even nabbing an offensive board off a Rudy Gobert missed free throw.
Offensively, Edwards finally started to hit the step-in 3-pointers that have become a trademark of his this season, and Oklahoma City has left available with its drop pick-and-roll coverage.
Edwards came out throwing haymakers. When your best player exerts his dominance, others feel more comfortable to fulfill their roles. Suddenly, the 3-pointers of everyone else started to fall. Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo all started raining down triples with confidence.
The Wolves snapped out of a shooting slump by going 20 for 40 from 3-point range in the win.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch went to Terrence Shannon Jr. in the first-half rotation, and the rookie responded with nine points in four minutes of action in the first half alone, finishing with 15 for the game. Minnesota also shifted to a more aggressive perimeter defense that held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check and prevented Oklahoma City from ever getting comfortable offensively.
Minnesota led by 19 after the first frame, 31 at halftime and was never threatened by the top-seeded Thunder.
Edwards had 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists. He was everywhere, which was exactly where he needs to be if Minnesota is to win four games out of five against this Thunder team.
One down, three to go.
Originally Published: May 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM CDT
