The first two games of the 2025 Western Conference Finals did not go to plan for the [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://www.canishoopus.com). After playing well in the first half of both games, a pair of disastrous third quarters caused the Wolves to fall behind 2-0 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With their backs against the wall, the Timberwolves needed to respond, and they did exactly that. The first quarter of Game 3 was possibly the best quarter of Minnesota’s season and certainly the worst of Oklahoma City’s.
After the Thunder scored the first four points of the game, the Wolves went on a run that potentially saved their season. The Wolves outscored the Thunder 34-10 over the last 10:43 of the first quarter to take a 20-point lead. Anthony Edwards scored 16 points in the quarter, outscoring OKC all by himself.
The Timberwolves didn’t let up in the second quarter with Terrence Shannon Jr. providing an unlikely spark off the bench. Shannon played four minutes in the second quarter, scoring nine points including an and-1 jumper, a pull-up midrange shot, and a layup in transition.
The Timberwolves led by as many as 35 in the second quarter, taking a 72-41 lead into the halftime locker room. The 72 points are a franchise record for points in any half of a playoff game.
As almost every Wolves fan knows, though, no lead is big enough to feel comfortable, especially not against a team as good as the Thunder. Those fears began to show up to start the second half as the Thunder went on a 12-2 run to start the period, cutting the lead to 22.
The Wolves were playing with none of the passion or aggression that got them the big lead. Head coach Chris Finch sensed this and immediately called a timeout. Whatever was said during that timeout caused the Wolves to lock right back in as Minnesota went on a 23-4 run, pushing the lead all the way up to 41 points.
That lead would prove to be plenty as the Thunder would waive the white flag late in the third quarter. After making a few more shots, the Wolves did the same, putting in their bench for the final 7:41 of the game.
The lead got as high as 45 points as the Wolves took Game 3 in dominating fashion, 143-101. Edwards was sensational in the game, playing possibly the best game of his young career. He ended up with 30 points on 12-17 shooting, including five 3-pointers, nine rebounds, and six assists. Shannon had the game of his young career, scoring 15 points, nine of which came in the second quarter.
The Wolves' defense did an outstanding job making life hard on the Thunder's star players in this game. Shai Gilgeous was limited to just 14 points on 4-13 shooting, with Jalen Williams similarly struggling with 13 points while going 3-9 from the field.
It is still to be seen how much of this game can change the tenor of the series, but for now, the Wolves have cut the Thunder series lead to 2-1.
##### **This story will be updated throughout the night after coach and player media availabilities.**
**Up Next**
The Wolves got themselves back into the series with the victory on Saturday. Now, they look to knot the series at 2-2 with Game 4 on Monday. The game begins at 7:30 PM CT at Target Center, airing on ESPN.