The 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals took a dramatic turn on Saturday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a statement performance in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, dismantling the visitors with a dominant 143-101 victory. The emphatic win not only breathes new life into the series but also sends a clear message that Minnesota is far from done. The Thunder now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled back at Target Center in Minneapolis.
From the opening tip, the Timberwolves played with desperation, urgency, and an edge that had been lacking in the first two games. Anthony Edwards, the face of the franchise and the emotional spark plug, exploded for 16 points in the first quarter alone, igniting a 34-10 run that left the Thunder scrambling. Minnesota’s early surge was fueled by stifling defense, physicality in the paint, and precise ball movement that left Oklahoma City visibly rattled.
By halftime, the Timberwolves had put up a staggering 72 points — a franchise playoff record — and already held a 29-point lead. Edwards finished the night with 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting, asserting his star power in one of the most crucial moments of the postseason.
But it wasn’t just the Edwards show. Minnesota’s bench played a pivotal role in extending the lead and maintaining the energy. Rookie guard Terrence Shannon Jr. provided a surprise spark with 15 points off the bench, including nine in the second quarter that helped seal the first-half momentum. Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert controlled the glass, while Mike Conley orchestrated the offense with poise and veteran leadership.
Defensively, the Timberwolves were equally impressive. They succeeded in containing Thunder stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, holding the dynamic duo to a combined 31 points — a significant drop from their series averages. The Timberwolves’ perimeter defenders switched aggressively and closed out shooters efficiently, limiting Oklahoma City’s three-point output and forcing numerous contested shots late in the shot clock.
Oklahoma City made a brief push early in the third quarter with a 12-2 run, but Minnesota immediately countered with a devastating 23-4 response, ballooning the lead to as many as 41 points. By the end of the third quarter, the game was effectively over, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was able to rest his starters down the stretch.
This blowout victory not only restores confidence in Minnesota’s camp but also re-energizes a fan base that filled the Target Center with deafening support from start to finish. The Wolves shot 60% from the field, dished out 33 assists, and outrebounded the Thunder 47-35, showcasing a complete performance on both ends of the floor.
The series, now at 2-1, heads into a critical Game 4 where the Timberwolves will aim to even things up. With momentum shifting and Anthony Edwards playing at an All-NBA level, Minnesota suddenly looks like a team capable of turning the tide in the Western Conference Finals.
For the Thunder, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Their young core must regroup quickly and respond with poise and execution if they hope to regain control of the series. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams will need to reassert their offensive dominance, and head coach Mark Daigneault will have to make tactical adjustments to counter Minnesota’s revitalized approach.
