MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves fought hard but fell just short against the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 130-123 at the Target Center on Sunday night. The game marked the first meeting of two between these teams, with another match scheduled for Monday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance for the Thunder, scoring 37 points, pulling down eight rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. This win keeps Oklahoma City at the top of the Western Conference as they continue to find their rhythm, shooting a remarkable 54% from beyond the arc.
Despite the setback, Minnesota showed significant resolve, overcoming a 19-point deficit, thanks to dynamic play from Anthony Edwards, who tallied 29 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves, now sitting at 31-27, faced challenges with injuries sidelining key players like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Jaylen Clark, starting his second game of the season, initially thrived with 14 points but left the game due to injury after hitting his head on the floor during the third quarter.
The game began with the Thunder sprinting off to a quick lead, hitting 19 of their first 27 shots and stretching their advantage to 52-33. Seizing this moment, the Timberwolves launched a spectacular 25-4 run, showcasing their tenacity and skill. Edwards' clutch 3-pointer with 2:36 left in the second quarter marked the highlight of this comeback.
Despite the Timberwolves’ determination, the Thunder turned the tide with late-game precision. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who came off the bench, proved valuable, scoring 18 points, including key 3-pointers. Alexander-Walker’s presence was instrumental during the fourth quarter as Minnesota tried to chase down Oklahoma City.
After briefly taking the lead, the Timberwolves lost momentum, allowing Oklahoma City to respond. Chet Holmgren, another performer for the Thunder, scored 19 points and hit pivotal shots late, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 6 minutes and 33 seconds remaining.
"They were able to kind of square loose and knock some 3s down," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch remarked postgame, reflecting on how the Thunder’s outside shooting impacted the outcome.
At one point, the Timberwolves were positioned well, but after Clark's injury and subsequent absence, they faltered, allowing Oklahoma to capitalize and extend their lead. The final minutes turned frantic, with Edwards and Reid doing their best to rally the team, but it wasn’t sufficient to reclaim the advantage.
With their lineup depleted due to injuries, including the absence of Donte DiVincenzo and the previously mentioned Gobert and Randle, this loss added to the Timberwolves' recent struggles—they have lost four of their last five games.
Naz Reid, underscoring his confidence, noted, "I know I was built for (the back to back)... we're not going to just roll over.” His determination reflects the Timberwolves' grit as they prepare for the rematch against the Thunder.
The upcoming game offers Minnesota another chance to regain momentum and take on the Thunder, who have lost only once over their past 25 games. The match-up will be closely watched, with both teams needing to adjust strategies, especially Minnesota with their injured roster.