Timberwolves Rally From 24 Points Down, Stun Thunder in OT Thriller/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 24-point deficit to stun the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime, thanks to Anthony Edwards’ clutch block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jaden McDaniels led with 27 points, while Edwards flirted with a triple-double. The Thunder, despite holding the West’s best record, collapsed during a 15-0 Timberwolves run to end regulation.
Timberwolves vs. Thunder: Quick Looks
- Anthony Edwards’ block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seals Timberwolves’ overtime win
- Minnesota ends regulation with a 15-0 run, overcoming a 24-point deficit
- Jaden McDaniels leads Timberwolves with 27 points and 10 rebounds
- Naz Reid contributes 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench
- Edwards posts 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double
- Thunder scoreless for nearly four minutes at the end of regulation
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallies 39 points in a near triple-double performance
- Timberwolves improve to 32-27; Thunder’s conference-leading record slips to 46-11
Timberwolves Rally From 24 Points Down, Stun Thunder in OT Thriller
Deep Look
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks of the NBA season Monday night, erasing a 24-point deficit to edge the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime at the Paycom Center.
The defining moment came in the final seconds of overtime when Anthony Edwards met Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the rim, executing a game-saving block on a potential go-ahead layup.
“Way to hoop, y’all,” Edwards said postgame, reflecting the Timberwolves’ gritty effort.
Thunder Collapse Despite Dominant Start
Oklahoma City seemed in full control, building a 19-point halftime lead and extending it to 24 points in the third quarter. The Thunder capitalized early on Minnesota’s sluggish offense, especially during the second quarter when the Timberwolves scored just 17 points.
However, a four-minute scoring drought to close the fourth quarter proved costly.
“We just stopped playing… Our intensity dropped,” said Thunder forward Jalen Williams, who added 27 points in the loss.
Minnesota’s Grit and Grind Comeback
Minnesota’s resurgence was led by Jaden McDaniels (27 points, 10 rebounds) and Naz Reid (22 points, 11 rebounds). Edwards, despite shooting struggles, filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
The Timberwolves closed regulation with a 15-0 run, capped by McDaniels’ and-one layup to force overtime.
Overtime Heroics and Defensive Prowess
In the extra period, after Edwards’ pivotal block on Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker sank two clutch free throws to secure the victory.
“We just kept pushing, trusted each other, and made the right plays,” said McDaniels.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but couldn’t break through Minnesota’s late defensive wall.
Coaches’ Reactions
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch voiced frustration with the Thunder’s physical style of play.
“They foul a ton… It’s frustrating, but we stayed aggressive and got rewarded,” Finch said.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged his team’s late-game struggles:
“We lost focus. You can’t give a team like that any breathing room.”
What This Means for Both Teams
- Timberwolves: Move to 32-27, bolstering playoff positioning with a confidence-boosting road win.
- Thunder: Despite holding a 46-11 record, Monday’s collapse raises questions about closing games under pressure.
The teams split their back-to-back series after Oklahoma City’s win in Minneapolis on Sunday.
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