Given the way the first two games of the Western Conference finals unfolded, with the Thunder dominating the Timberwolves in Oklahoma City, shutting down the paint and forcing Minnesota to uncork repeated errant 3-point tries, it might be fitting that the Wolves were raring for some vengeance.
Even before halftime hit in Game 3 at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday, the Wolves were well on their way to victory. And with a halftime lead of 72-41 (yes, that's right), the Timberwolves put out a message on Twitter/X that rubbed the OKC noses in just how hefty the lead was.
"All gas, no brakes," the team wrote.
The Wolves were led by star guard Anthony Edwards, who had 30 points in the third quarter as the team did, in fact, continue pushing the gas. The lead got up to 41 points in the moments after halftime.
It was a remarkable turn after the dominance the Thunder showed in the first two games of the series, which they won by a combined 41 points, holding Minnesota to 38.2% shooting from the field and 28.9% from the 3-point line. The Timberwolves were beaten on the boards, 88-83, and in turnovers, 33-23. OKC's offensive rating of 120.4 dwarfed their 99.1 rating.
May 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, after scoring 69 points in the first two games, played only 28 minutes and registered 14 points in Game 3.
Give credit to the Wolves--they expressed belief in their ability to come back in this series, even after the two distressing opening results.
Minnesota guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker said in Thursday's postgame interview, "This is a great group and I feel I believe in this group. I feel like we have that competitiveness and it will be just be a huge disappointment if we don't bring that competitiveness to try to win."