In a game that will go down in NBA history, the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in regular-season play, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime. Trailing by as much as 25 points and down 16 with just 3:41 left, the Wolves managed to force overtime, eventually securing the victory.
The Key Moments of the Comeback
The game’s turning point came when Anthony Edwards, despite battling a calf injury, made a crucial block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 13.2 seconds left in the game, preserving the Timberwolves’ one-point lead. Edwards, who struggled throughout the game, celebrated his defensive play with teammates as the Wolves clinched the win.
Coach Chris Finch praised the team’s resilience, acknowledging that while the Timberwolves don’t always play the cleanest basketball, they have always fought hard, especially in crucial moments like this one. According to OptaStats, the Wolves became the first team to come back from 20 or more points down in the fourth quarter on the road against a team with a winning percentage of over .800.
McDaniels and Free Throws Fuel the Comeback
Jaden McDaniels was a standout for the Timberwolves, contributing 27 points and playing a critical role in the win. McDaniels was perfect from the free-throw line, going 9-for-9, and his three-point play with 11.2 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game and kept the Wolves alive. His performance was essential, especially on a night when Edwards and Naz Reid struggled with their shooting.
“I saw growth,” Reid said, referencing McDaniels’ leadership and growth throughout the game. “He was the only one getting to his spots, making shots, and rebounding. That was growth for me.”
The Wolves’ Defensive Strategy
Down by 16 with just over three minutes left, the Wolves made a crucial adjustment. They aggressively double-teamed Gilgeous-Alexander, forcing him to pass the ball, and the Thunder failed to capitalize on several open shots. Finch’s defensive strategy helped stop the Thunder’s momentum, allowing the Wolves to close the gap.
Edwards reflected on the defensive adjustment, crediting Finch for making a great decision in blitzing Gilgeous-Alexander, noting that the Thunder missed their shots during the key moments of the game.
The Rookies Step Up
The Timberwolves’ comeback wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. Dillingham provided 12 points and five assists, including a crucial layup with 1:17 left to play. Shannon added 17 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter, and played tough defense with two key blocks. Their performances showed the depth of the team and the willingness of everyone to step up when it mattered most.
Reid’s Resilience and the Wolves’ Free-Throw Excellence
Naz Reid, who had been struggling with his shot throughout the game, found a rhythm in the fourth quarter, going 3-for-3 from the field, including a critical step-back three to cut Oklahoma City’s lead to nine. Reid also hit four free throws in overtime, contributing significantly to the team’s flawless free-throw performance in the final minutes.
This game also marked a turning point for the Timberwolves’ free-throw shooting. The team went a perfect 22-for-22 from the line in the fourth quarter and overtime, showcasing their mental toughness and resilience after a tough travel schedule.
In the end, the Wolves held their ground in overtime, forcing turnovers and outlasting a fatigued Oklahoma City squad. Finch praised the team’s ability to play through adversity and capitalize on the opportunity.
While Edwards did not return to the game after his injury, he played a vital role from the sidelines, urging his teammates on and ensuring they stayed focused in the final moments.
A Historic Win
This dramatic victory marks one of the most thrilling comebacks in Timberwolves history and sets a new bar for what this team is capable of. The Timberwolves continue to fight no matter the odds, and Monday night’s game is a testament to their resilience and determination.
