The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered their most lopsided playoff loss in franchise history, losing Game 3 to the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 143-101. The team was physically dominated by the Timberwolves, who controlled the game from start to finish.
Thunder power forward/center Chet Holmgren explained that the team didn’t stop the Timberwolves’ offense, allowing them to move freely and do as they pleased. Coach Mark Daigneault attributed the loss to the Timberwolves’ defensive pressure and physicality, which kept Oklahoma City from gaining traction in the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s MVP, had a disappointing performance, scoring only 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Despite being outscored by Timberwolves stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, who combined for 54 points, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that the team’s defense was not set to stop their opponents.
The Thunder’s normally top-ranked defense allowed the Timberwolves to shoot 57.3% from the floor and 50.0% from three-point range, forcing only 10 turnovers. However, Gilgeous-Alexander remained optimistic, saying that the team has a decision to make: get back up after being “punched in the mouth” or lose the game.
The Thunder face their next challenge on Monday, as they look to bounce back from this lopsided loss and move forward in the series.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45308093/thunder-credit-wolves-physicality-blowout-loss-game-3