Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance with 39 points, while Jalen Williams contributed 21 points, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a convincing 129-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder improved to 19-9, while the Wolves are now 22-7 on the season, remaining two of the NBA’s top teams.
The Thunder showcased their sharpshooting skills, hitting 18-39 3-point attempts, accounting for a 46.2% success rate. Their defensive effort was equally impressive, forcing 24 Timberwolves turnovers and converting these into 23 points.
“I think we played together on both ends of the floor, for the most part,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “When we do that and trust that, things go our way, usually.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort each added significant firepower, scoring 20 points apiece, as the Thunder improved to 19-9. Dort’s accuracy from beyond the arc was notable, as he made 5-6 attempts. The Thunder shot an impressive 60.5% from the field and led by as much as 25 points in the second half, securing their sixth win in the last eight games.
“I thought we really were intelligent with our attacks,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “They’re a really hard team to crack, obviously, and you’ve got to be really intentional, and I thought our guys did a great job executing.”
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, while Mike Conley and Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 and 16 points, respectively. Despite Towns’ return following a missed game due to knee soreness, Minnesota couldn’t keep pace with Oklahoma City’s offensive onslaught.
“I just thought we had great intensity,” Daigneault said. “I thought both teams were outscoring each other in the first period of the game. As the game wore on, we tightened on that end of the floor. Really in the second half did a great job, too. And I thought the turnovers were a byproduct of that.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Josh Giddey, back in the Thunder’s starting lineup after recovering from a left ankle sprain, contributed 10 points and seven assists. Even though Holmgren and Giddey faced foul troubles, the Thunder extended their lead significantly in the third quarter.
Minnesota attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to nine points with a three-pointer by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin. However, their efforts weren’t enough as Williams hit back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter to extend the Thunder’s lead.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The first half was marked by proficient three-point shooting from both teams, with a combined 16 threes. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 16 points led the Thunder at the break, with Williams and Dort also making substantial contributions. Edwards’ 14 first-half points were a highlight for the Timberwolves, but their 53.8% three-point shooting couldn’t sustain them.
Up next, the Timberwolves will host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, while the Thunder will face the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
