NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
• Grab Your NBA League Pass TODAY
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)— Just when it seemed like the Oklahoma City Thunder were destined to leave the Minnesota Timberwolves behind in the Western Conference standings, the Timberwolves made a bold comeback.
Minnesota overcame a staggering 25-point deficit in the second half to secure a 131-128 victory in Oklahoma City on Monday night. After a challenging season, this win revitalizes the Timberwolves, who reached the Western Conference Finals last year.
The Thunder were leading 82-57 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter and held a 102-80 advantage going into the final period. Some players on the Timberwolves doubted their ability to comeback.
“I honestly didn’t think we had a shot, because it felt like the game was out of reach,” Nickeil Alexander-Walker remarked. “At that point, my thought was, ‘This game’s pretty much done.’ But how we perform in these final moments can set the tone for our next matchup.”
In an impressive turnaround, Minnesota outscored Oklahoma City 41-19 in the fourth quarter and clinched the win in overtime. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Naz Reid contributed 22 points and 11 boards. Anthony Edwards added 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
BLOCKED BY ANTHONY EDWARDS 🤯pic.twitter.com/mny4eUEksW
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 25, 2025
A road win against one of the top teams in the West is exactly what Minnesota needed. The Timberwolves had dropped their first two games post-All-Star break, including a 130-123 defeat to the Thunder at home on Sunday.
With a current record of 32-27, Monday’s victory showcases the Timberwolves’ potential as they head into road matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah, and Phoenix.
“I feel like this gives us a significant boost,” Reid expressed. “If we bring the same energy we had in the fourth quarter from the start, we can definitely compete against those teams. I’m excited to keep this momentum going.”
Minnesota’s center Rudy Gobert was sidelined due to back spasms, and forward Julius Randle has been absent all month due to a groin injury. Edwards experienced a minor lower leg injury during the fourth quarter and was benched for most of it, yet he made a crucial defensive play by blocking a potential game-winning shot from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with just 13.2 seconds left in overtime.
one word:
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.pic.twitter.com/LwQFP1A2kK
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 25, 2025
“Blocking that shot took everything out of me,” Edwards commented. “It’s funny because I don’t even think I jumped that high. I was definitely talking a bit of trash afterward.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, the top scorer in the league, logged 39 points. Jalen Williams, another All-Star player, contributed 27 points. Although the Thunder rested forward Chet Holmgren and center Isaiah Hartenstein left the game after sustaining a nose injury in the second quarter, this Thunder squad boasts an impressive 46-11 record under the guidance of reigning NBA Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault.
The season series concludes with both teams at two wins each, and this victory has the Timberwolves feeling hopeful about potential playoff success.
“Absolutely,” Reid affirmed. “The score is now even, as Nickeil would say. Here’s hoping we get to face them again in the playoffs.”
Minnesota coach Chris Finch’s strategy leaves the Thunder with some post-game considerations. The Timberwolves employed trapping defense, forcing Gilgeous-Alexander to pass the ball late in the game, leading to missed opportunities for his teammates.
“When players haven’t been involved much, it can be tough for them to step up and make key shots when it counts,” Finch explained. “We took that gamble, and it paid off.”
needed that.pic.twitter.com/Fy6dZ59VPA
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 25, 2025
