Anthony Edwards Shines as Timberwolves Down Thunder, 112-107

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards made a triumphant return from injury, delivering a game-changing performance to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Edwards, who had missed the previous three games due to a foot injury, exploded for 26 points and 12 rebounds, including the crucial go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left.

The victory was especially sweet for the Timberwolves (18-10), who had fallen to the Thunder in last season’s Western Conference Finals. This time, it was Edwards who made sure the outcome would be different, proving his worth in crunch time after a tough start to the game for both teams.

Thunder’s Early Dominance Fades

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer for Oklahoma City, scoring 35 points and adding seven assists in a valiant effort. However, despite his heroics, the Thunder (25-3) were unable to fend off the late-game surge from Minnesota. The loss marked just their third of the season, and it came at a time when they had hoped to extend their dominance after a red-hot start, including their NBA Championship run last year.

The game was tight throughout, but the Thunder were unable to close out the win after a key misstep from Julius Randle. Randle, who finished with 19 points despite a rough 3-for-15 shooting night, missed a free throw after making one with 53 seconds left. That missed attempt allowed the Timberwolves to retain possession, down by just two, and set the stage for Edwards’ clutch shot.

Edwards Seals the Win

With just under a minute remaining, Edwards showed his poise under pressure. After sinking the go-ahead 3-pointer, he grabbed a crucial defensive rebound, setting up two free throws by Randle. Edwards wasn’t done, though. He then sealed the win by stealing the ball from Gilgeous-Alexander in the final seconds, effectively ending the game.

“I knew I had to step up,” Edwards said after the game. “We’ve been waiting for this moment, and I wanted to make sure we closed it out.”

Timberwolves’ Balanced Attack

Beyond Edwards’ brilliance, the Timberwolves had solid contributions from several other players. Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid each scored 15 points, providing the team with vital scoring depth. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert dominated the boards, finishing with 14 rebounds and making his presence felt defensively.

For the Thunder, the loss was frustrating for multiple reasons. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance was stellar, other players struggled to make an impact. Randle’s poor shooting and missed free throw proved costly, and the team couldn’t find a consistent rhythm in the game’s final moments.

Frustrations Overflow for Timberwolves Coach Chris Finch

The game’s intensity was matched by the charged atmosphere at Target Center. With a national broadcast and the defending champions in town, the energy in the arena was palpable. However, the emotions boiled over for Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, who was ejected midway through the first quarter after vehemently arguing non-calls against the Thunder. Finch was restrained by assistants and security as he continued to voice his frustrations with the officiating.

Despite the early setback, Finch’s team responded with a gritty performance, fueled by Edwards’ leadership and the team’s defensive efforts.

Shooting Struggles for Both Teams

The game wasn’t pretty from a shooting perspective, with both teams struggling to find their mark. The Timberwolves shot just 34% from the field in the first half, while the Thunder were only slightly better at 39%. Minnesota also struggled at the free-throw line, making only 33 of 47 attempts — a season-high in misses.

“I’m just happy we were able to grind it out,” said Edwards. “We didn’t let the missed shots or free throws affect us. We kept fighting until the end.”

Looking Ahead

The Thunder will look to bounce back when they host Memphis on Monday, while the Timberwolves will return to action at home against Milwaukee on Sunday. Both teams are in the thick of the Western Conference race, and each game has become increasingly important as they look to position themselves for the postseason.

Final Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 112, Oklahoma City Thunder 107