Edwards scored 26 points and hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left as Minnesota handed the defending champions their third loss of the season.
Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game injury absence with 26 points and 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 on Friday night. The star guard, who has been managing soreness in his right foot, came back at the perfect time to help Minnesota snap the defending champions’ momentum.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 points and seven assists for the Thunder, who fell to 25-3 on the season. Oklahoma City lost for the second time in three games after starting 24-1 following their NBA championship last season. The defeat represents a rare stumble for a team that has dominated the league through the first two months.
Julius Randle had 19 points on just 3-for-15 shooting, but his missed free throw after a make with 53 seconds remaining allowed the Wolves to keep possession down by two points. That set up Edwards for his clutch shot that gave Minnesota the lead they would not relinquish.
Edwards seals victory with defense and hustle
After hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer, Edwards grabbed a crucial defensive rebound to set up two free throws by Randle that extended the lead. He then stole the ball from Gilgeous-Alexander on the ensuing possession to seal the victory, showcasing both his offensive firepower and defensive intensity in the final moments.
Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid each scored 15 points and Rudy Gobert had 14 rebounds for the Wolves, who improved to 18-10. The victory was especially sweet for Minnesota, which lost to the Thunder in five games in the Western Conference finals last spring. The rematch between the conference rivals lived up to expectations with playoff-level intensity throughout.
Finch ejected as frustrations boil over
With the beginning of the holiday break, a national broadcast and the defending champion Thunder in town, the atmosphere at Target Center was especially revved up. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was ejected midway through the first quarter after arguing what he believed were missed foul calls on Oklahoma City. He had to be restrained by his assistants and team security as he continued his vehement complaints at the officiating crew.
The ejection did not derail Minnesota’s effort, as the team rallied around the emotional moment and maintained focus throughout the game. Assistant coaches stepped up to guide the team through the remaining three-plus quarters.
Shooting struggles plague both teams
The first half was a particularly rough time for both rims, with the Wolves shooting 34% from the floor and the Thunder at just 39%. The offensive struggles continued throughout the game, with both teams finding it difficult to establish consistent rhythm.
Free throws were a game-long problem for Minnesota, making just 33 of a season-high 47 attempts. The 70% free throw shooting could have cost the Wolves the game if not for Edwards’ late heroics. Randle’s missed free throw in the closing minute, while costly in the moment, ultimately worked in Minnesota’s favor by giving them an extra possession.
Thunder’s near-perfect start hits roadblock
Oklahoma City entered the game with one of the best records in NBA history through 28 games at 25-2. The Thunder’s 24-1 start following their championship marked one of the most dominant stretches by any defending champion. However, losing two of three games represents a concerning trend for a team that had appeared invincible for most of the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could to keep the Thunder’s winning streak alive, pouring in 35 points and creating opportunities for teammates with seven assists. His final turnover on the steal by Edwards, however, exemplified how one player’s brilliance can be undone by another’s in crucial moments.
For Minnesota, the victory provides validation after their playoff loss to Oklahoma City last spring. Edwards’ return could not have been timed better, as the Wolves needed their best player to knock off the league’s best team. His clutch gene was on full display as he delivered when it mattered most.
