The Minnesota Timberwolves sent a message on Saturday night. Down 0-2 in the series, they secured a big win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, 143-101, to mark their first victory in the Western Conference finals.
The Thunder remain up in the series, 2-1, but there's no denying that the momentum is on the Timberwolves' side following Saturday night's demolition job.
Charles Barkley shared his reaction to Minnesota's big win, and the Hall of Famer turned NBA on TNT analyst had an important message for the Wolves.
"All the pressure's still on Minnesota," Barkley said on Sunday. "Tomorrow is a must-win for Minnesota. It's not a must-win for OKC.
"All Minnesota did was get kind of back in the series. They extended it. So now they have to win tomorrow. ... OKC does not have to win in Minnesota."
May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the third quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7).
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Barkley went on to drive home his point by saying that the Timberwolves' blowout win in Game 3 does not necessarily put them in an advantageous situation in the series. In fact, the former NBA MVP is adamant that a loss on Monday will be the end for Minnesota.
"... The one thing you have to understand (is that) whether they win by one or 40, it doesn't matter," he continued. It's just one game.
"All the pressure tomorrow is still on the Timberwolves. Because if they don't win tomorrow, they'll be done (in) Game 5."
As Barkley pointed out, the Wolves must win on Monday to tie this series up. The NBA legend believes Minnesota has no other option but to do so because going down 3-1 against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. will be a death sentence for the Timberwolves.
Game 3 on Monday night tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET from Target Center in Minneapolis.