The Minnesota Timberwolves are still breathing in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, coming back to life with a commanding Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Behind a 42-point blowout, Minnesota avoided a dreaded 0–3 hole—and it was Anthony Edwards who finally erupted, igniting hope that this series is far from over.
Despite the emphatic win, Edwards wasn’t celebrating. The 23-year-old rising star kept things grounded in the postgame locker room, reminding everyone that his team still trails in the series. He also tipped his hat to Oklahoma City, calling them the league’s gold standard right now.
“We’re still down,” Edwards said. “It’s just one win. Can’t get too high on it. Can’t get too low either. We’ve got to win again. This team—they’re the best team in the NBA. So we’ve got to beat them more than once, and it’s going to be tough.”
Edwards is right. Beating a well-oiled unit like the Thunder requires more than just one superstar night. Minnesota will need sacrifices across the board, consistency from its role players, and someone to rise in the clutch—just as Denver did in the previous round, with Nikola Jokić anchoring their run and key performances scattered throughout their roster.
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs
In Game 3, Edwards came out with fire. He dropped 16 points and grabbed five rebounds in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a team desperate to prove it belonged. That early burst led to a total team effort: seven Timberwolves players finished in double figures as the team delivered its most complete performance of the postseason.
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Edwards was every bit the star Minnesota needed. He finished with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals—finally unlocking his full arsenal against OKC. Julius Randle added 24 points, and the Timberwolves’ bench stepped up with a statement outing, supplying crucial support at both ends of the floor.
Just as important was Minnesota’s defensive execution. The Timberwolves stayed disciplined and didn’t fall into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s usual rhythm. The Thunder’s star was held to just 14 points on limited touches, and more notably, earned only four free-throw attempts. He finished the night with a team-worst -32 in plus-minus—a testament to how well Minnesota neutralized his impact.
