The Minnesota Timberwolves blitzed the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder through a scoring onslaught. Minnesota led by as many as 41 points before cruising to the 143-101 trouncing Saturday. Head coach Chris Finch has his guys now down one game to OKC.

But what turned it around for Minnesota? Finch dove into the element that became different in Game 3.

“Certainly, we were able to get out and play fast compared to the first two games in the series,” Finch shared. “We got some turnovers and  made some momentum plays early that got us going.”

Minnesota indeed hit the gas pedal right away. They built a 34-14 lead after the first quarter. That was also the period that saw one star breakout.

Timberwolves, Chris Finch watch epic first half from star vs. Thunder 

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller (33) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30),guard Anthony Edwards (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) attempt to get a rebound during the second half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after making a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
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Anthony Edwards ignited the takeaway charge inside the Target Center. The perennial NBA All-Star created multiple steals and turned those opportunities into slam dunks. Including this first quarter snatch-and-slam.

Edwards dominated from the jump by scoring 16 first quarter points. He settled for 20 points at halftime. He wasn't the lone T-Wolves star who thrashed the Thunder.

Julius Randle followed Edwards by dropping 24 points on the evening. Randle delivered that output in 30 minutes of action. Randle overcame a Game 2 benching too. Jaden McDaniels joined Randle and “Ant” in hitting double figures with 10 points.

Minnesota's bench, however, lifted the home team even further. Four bench players hit more than 10 points. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 points in 13 minutes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 12 points through 18 minutes while Leonard Miller and Naz Reid delivered 11 and 10 points, respectively. Mike Conley earned additional time too — 22 minutes and scored six points.

Oklahoma City fans cringed at the result this time. The Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became bottled. “SGA” wrapped Game 3 up with just 14 points — now his worst scoring night in this series.