The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominance this season, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-123 on Sunday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly with 37 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, leading his team to victory as they opened a two-game set against the Timberwolves.
The game was filled with intense moments as the Timberwolves made significant efforts to overcome their starting frontcourt’s absence due to injuries. Both Rudy Gobert (back) and Julius Randle (groin) sat out, adding pressure on the remaining players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed off the bench, scoring 18 points, but he couldn't help his team secure the win.
Gilgeous-Alexander's performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his ability to step up when needed. Particularly pivotal was his re-entry with just under eight minutes left, where he ignited the Thunder’s 18-4 run, allowing them to break free from the Timberwolves' temporary lead. The Thunder, benefiting greatly from their sharpshooting night, hit 54% of their three-pointers (19 of 35), marking their best shooting performance from beyond the arc this season.
Anthony Edwards also had a standout game for the Timberwolves, notching 29 points and 10 rebounds. His efforts kept Minnesota competitive, especially as they battled back from being down 19 points earlier in the game.
The Thunder set the tone early, establishing dominance early when they led the game 52-33 after their initial surge. With the clock ticking down and the Timberwolves unable to make significant 3-point attempts, they faced substantial pressure. The Timberwolves missed 11 of their first 12 attempts from beyond the arc, which significantly hampered their comeback efforts and overall scoring capabilities.
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves showcased resilience, executing a stunning 25-4 run over about six minutes to pull within reach. Edwards played a key role during this stretch, using his crossover dribble effectively to make timely 3-pointers and energize his team.
The Thunder's balanced scoring contributed to their success, with Chet Holmgren adding 19 points to the mix. Notably, bench players like Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso played invaluable roles, especially Caruso who hit three pivotal 3-pointers and provided defensive stops, setting up opportunities for Gilgeous-Alexander.
This win marks the Thunder's continuation of strong play, leading the Western Conference with only one loss over their last 25 days. They now sit comfortably, holding onto a 9 1/2-game lead over rivals Denver and Memphis.
Looking forward, the Timberwolves will need to adjust quickly as they face off against the Thunder once again on Monday night. The rematch presents them with another chance to capitalize on the Thunder's weaknesses and improve their own performances.
The injuries compounded with the need for depth scoring will force the Timberwolves to rely on the contributions from players like Alexander-Walker, who has shown potential, scoring at least 14 points consistently over the last six games. With rising stakes, Monday’s matchup will be pivotal for the Timberwolves as they look to stabilize their performance and begin to climb up the Western Conference standings.