Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder was filled with some big stories. Those include Julius Randle's bounce-back game or Anthony Edwards' standout night.
However, a story that surprised people was Terrence Shannon Jr.'s breakout game. The rookie out of Illinois had a fantastic night, scoring 15 points in 13 minutes and playing with the energy the Timberwolves needed.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota needed a spark in Game 3 after losing the first two games of the series against the Thunder. Minnesota's starters did well, but the energy from the bench came in the form of Terrence Shannon Jr.
The 24-year-old rookie has played sporadic minutes throughout the season, but he got the opportunity from coach Chris Finch. He ran away with the chance, as he looks primed to get regular minutes for the rest of the series.
Shannon Has Earned A Regular Spot For The Timberwolves
Throughout the Playoffs, the Timberwolves have primarily played an eight-man rotation with the starters backed up by Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Naz Reid.
They will likely be joined now by Shannon, who proved that energy is a game-changer for the Timberwolves. The team looked timid during their first two games against OKC, so inserting a spark plug like Shannon was a fantastic Finch decision.
The rookie guard out of Illinois loves that he got the opportunity because he will keep running with it.
"They told me before the game that be ready to start the second quarter. It's just a normal feeling, I always work, I always stay ready, just be the best teammate I can be," Shannon said after game 3. "Yeah, just be myself. That's my game, attacking downhill, getting in the paint, and making the open shot."
Finch Knows Shannon Will Keep Getting Minutes
Finch is known for his preparation for games, which includes considering new players like Shannon. This was a constant idea, and he is finally following up on it.
Shannon has all the tools to be a positive contributor because he has the physical traits to compete with the Thunder's abundance of perimeter players. At 6'6", he could guard the Thunder's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who he outscored in Game 3.
He is also disciplined with his defense, as he won't bite on SGA's intelligent moves. This is significant because Finch sees Shannon as a contributor for the rest of the series, as he could be another defender to throw at the MVP.
"He was awesome, came in. I've been wrestling with adding another guy to the rotation... At the end of the day, he can stretch the floor in transition, he's a downhill player," Finch said after Game 3. "He's got a good body, we needed some physicality out there. Just a different kind of player... If he scores, or he doesn't score, he will bring competitiveness. You're definitely going to see him more."
The Timberwolves have the depth to compete with the Thunder, so this should be significant for the Thunder's scouting report. Minnesota can equalize in Game 4, but it will be tough.