A 34-point outburst by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 129-106. The Timberwolves lost their third game in 14 games, while the Thunder won their 14th in 19 games.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory with Dominant Performance Against Timberwolves
Oklahoma City took the lead in the first four minutes and maintained it. The Timberwolves tried to catch up, but Luguentz Dort’s 3-pointers started a 9-1 run for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the third quarter with 14 points and three assists as the Thunder grabbed a 15-point lead. Gilgeous-Alexander made all seven field-goal tries in the quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, nine assists, and six rebounds on 14-of-19 shooting, including 14 of 16 from the arc. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch substituted when the Thunder’s lead reached 19 points in the opening six minutes of the fourth quarter.
Three players helped the Thunder tie their season-high field-goal percentage at 60.5%. Jalen Williams scored 21, Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren 20. Both teams were known for their defense, therefore the high-scoring game surprised me.
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Thunder Triumph as Gilgeous-Alexander Shines in High-Scoring Battle with Timberwolves
Early on, offenses dominated. The Timberwolves shot 65% in the first quarter, with Anthony Edwards scoring 10 of their 35 points. The Thunder responded with a 70% first-quarter shooting and 40 points, their most this season. Oklahoma City’s quarter-field goals were mostly aided by Josh Giddey, who had six.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 25 points, while Mike Conley scored 17, shooting 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns scored 16 and Rudy Gobert 10.
As a result of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding play and great offense, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, extending their recent success.
