The Minnesota Timberwolves came into Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals knowing they needed a statement win to stay alive in the series. And they wasted no time delivering one. In a jaw-dropping first quarter, the Wolves overwhelmed the Oklahoma City Thunder with relentless energy, suffocating defense, and pinpoint shooting, setting the tone for a historic 143-101 victory.
From the opening tip, Minnesota played with urgency and aggression. After dropping the first two games of the series, they knew they had to strike fast—and strike hard. The Timberwolves erupted for 34 points in the first quarter, while holding the Thunder to a mere 14 points, their lowest-scoring quarter of the postseason. Anthony Edwards led the charge, attacking the rim with ferocity and draining shots from beyond the arc. His early dominance set the tone for what would become a lopsided affair.
Minnesota’s defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. OKC struggled to find any rhythm, missing open looks and failing to counter the Wolves’ intensity. By the time the first quarter ended, the Target Center crowd was roaring, sensing that their team had flipped the momentum of the series.
Anthony Edwards was nothing short of spectacular, finishing the night with 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting, along with nine rebounds and six assists. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates made him the driving force behind Minnesota’s offensive explosion.
Julius Randle provided a strong secondary scoring punch, adding 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. had a breakout performance, contributing 15 points in just 13 minutes. The Wolves shot 56% from the field and 47% from three-point range, a stark contrast to OKC’s 30% shooting overall and 26% from deep.
Oklahoma City, the top seed in the Western Conference, looked completely outmatched. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been dominant in the first two games, was held to just 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting. The Wolves’ defensive pressure disrupted OKC’s offensive flow, forcing 13 turnovers through three quarters.
By halftime, Minnesota had built a 31-point lead, the largest halftime deficit in Western Conference Finals history. The Thunder never recovered, and their starters were pulled early in the fourth quarter as the game slipped further out of reach.
With this emphatic victory, the Timberwolves have breathed new life into the series, cutting OKC’s lead to 2-1. The win not only keeps their championship hopes alive but also sends a clear message: Minnesota is here to fight.
