The Minnesota Timberwolves turned the Target Center into a shooting gallery on Thursday night, delivering a masterclass in long-range efficiency. Led by a balanced scoring attack and a relentless barrage from deep, the Minnesota Timberwolves hit 22 3-pointers to secure a convincing 123-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The win marks a significant turning point for a Minnesota squad that has now won three consecutive games after previously enduring a season-long five-game skid.
A Historic Night: Timberwolves Hit 22 3-Pointers
Minnesota’s perimeter shooting was the story of the night, as the team matched a season high with 22 successful shots from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves were surgical from distance, finishing the game shooting 46.8% (22 of 47) from 3-point range. This performance equaled the second-most 3-pointers surrendered by the Thunder in a single game this season, highlighting the defensive struggles Oklahoma City faced in containing Minnesota's shooters.
The rhythm started early. In the first quarter alone, the Timberwolves connected on 8 of 15 attempts from deep, allowing them to jump out to a commanding 14-point lead by the end of the opening frame. While the Thunder attempted several rallies, Minnesota always had an answer from the perimeter to keep the lead comfortable.
Edwards and McDaniels Lead the Charge
Anthony Edwards set the tone for the evening, finishing with 26 points. Edwards was particularly aggressive in the early going, scoring 12 of his points in the first quarter to help build the initial cushion. His ability to draw the defense allowed space for his teammates to flourish, most notably Jaden McDaniels.
McDaniels provided arguably the most efficient performance of the night, contributing 21 points while going a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range. His flawless shooting from deep was complemented by Naz Reid, who provided a massive spark off the bench. Reid finished with 18 points and knocked down four 3-pointers of his own, ensuring that the scoring pressure remained high even when the starters rested.
With veteran point guard Mike Conley sidelined, Bones Hyland stepped into the starting rotation and logged 23 minutes. Hyland contributed nine points and helped facilitate an offense that remained fluid despite the absence of their primary floor general.
Thunder Struggle Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the loss marks their third defeat in the last four outings. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his part to keep the game competitive, finishing with a game-high 30 points. However, the Thunder struggled to find consistent secondary scoring to keep pace with Minnesota’s high-octane offense.
Chet Holmgren added 15 points, and the Thunder saw the return of center Isaiah Hartenstein, who had missed the previous 16 games with a calf injury. Hartenstein was productive in limited action, scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds in 18 minutes. Despite his return, the Thunder were dominated on the glass, as Minnesota outrebounded Oklahoma City 46-36.
Turnovers also proved costly for the visitors. While Minnesota committed 20 turnovers of their own, they were far more effective at capitalizing on mistakes. The Timberwolves converted 16 Thunder turnovers into 30 points, a disparity that ultimately prevented Oklahoma City from closing the gap in the second half.
Stand for Minnesota and Playoff Implications
The evening began with a poignant moment as Timberwolves players wore black T-shirts during pregame warmups that read “STAND FOR MINNESOTA.” The gesture was in response to recent fatal shootings by federal agents in the area, showcasing the team's connection to the local community.
On the court, the victory helps Minnesota (29-19) continue their climb back up the Western Conference standings. By contrast, the Thunder (38-10) remain one of the top seeds in the West but will need to address their perimeter defense as the postseason approaches. The two teams will look back at this matchup as a testament to how high-volume 3-point shooting can dictate the flow of a modern NBA game.
Key Game Statistics
- 3-Pointers Made: Minnesota 22, Oklahoma City 11
- Points off Turnovers: Minnesota 30, Oklahoma City 21
- Rebounds: Minnesota 46, Oklahoma City 36
- Field Goal Percentage: Minnesota 48.1%, Oklahoma City 44.2%
Sources & Original Reporting
