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Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three point basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 1 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ((Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Timberwolves trail the Oklahoma City Thunder 1-0 in the Western Conference Finals after a 114-88 loss in Game 1 Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves had an ugly night shooting, and turned the ball over 17 times. After a 48-44 lead at the half, Minnesota lost the second half 70-40.
The big play
What happened:
The Thunder came alive in the third quarter, while the Timberwolves couldn’t make any shots. Oklahoma City used a 17-2 run to win the frame 32-18, and led by as many as 20 in the fourth quarter before Chris Finch pulled the starters. The Thunder had 31 points of 17 Timberwolves' turnovers.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams out-scored Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle 21-5 in the third quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander scored and was fouled as the Thunder took a 91-77 lead with seven minutes to play, and Oklahoma City pulled away.
Randle had 20 of his team-high 28 points in the first half.
Anthony Edwards gets early technical foul
What we know:
Edwards was given a technical foul four minutes into the game after Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul driving the lane. Edwards tossed the basketball at Gilgeous-Alexander in frustration after the play.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 points, nine assists and three steals. Edwards had 18 points and nine rebounds, but did not score in the fourth quarter.
Edwards left the game at the end of the first quarter with an ankle injury, and missed about half the second quarter being back in the locker room. He didn't look like his usual self in the second half.
Wolves bench no shows
Why you should care:
The Timberwolves’ three-point shooting was a disaster, and their bench was a complete no-show offensively. They shot 15-of-51 from the perimeter (29.4%). Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker went a combined 7-of-36 (19.4%) from the field, and 5-for-28 from the perimeter.
What's next
Timeline:
Game 2 between the Timberwolves and Thunder is set for Thursday night in Oklahoma City. Minnesota needs a win to avoid coming home down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.
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