The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a thunderous blow to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ grip on first place in the Western Conference, closing the gap to a single game after a dramatic 102-97 victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander conducted the orchestra, racking up 33 points, while Anthony Edwards’ 19 points were marred by late-game free throw misses.
The young Thunder roared back from an early deficit to claim the lead and never relinquished it, despite valiant efforts from the home team.
The visitors exploded out of the gates, silencing the Minneapolis crowd with a 9-0 run before stretching the lead to 21-5. But the Timberwolves’ bite began to show, clawing back with a 19-9 surge to end the first quarter, trailing by just two possessions.
The back-and-forth continued in the second, with Minnesota briefly claiming the lead before Jordan McLaughlin’s twin threes launched the Thunder to a six-point cushion.
Gilgeous-Alexander then ignited a 12-5 run, sending the teams into halftime with Oklahoma City narrowly ahead (57-54).
The Timberwolves roared back in the third, building their largest lead of the night at 12 points with three minutes remaining.
However, the Thunder refused to be silenced. Fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s six points in a decisive 11-2 run, they tied the game at 90 with six minutes left.
The final stretch was a heart-stopping affair. Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch three-pointer gave Oklahoma City the lead, and although Edwards was fouled with a chance to tie at the free throw line, he agonisingly missed all three attempts.
Jalen Williams’ steady free throws sealed the fate of the game, sending the Thunder home with a hard-earned victory.
This wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. The Thunder are breathing down the Timberwolves’ necks, threatening to dethrone them from the top of the Western Conference.
The battle for supremacy is far from over, and the NBA world waits with bated breath for the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry.
