The Minnesota Timberwolves staged an incredible 25-point comeback in the second half to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime on Monday night. The comeback, led by Anthony Edwards’ clutch block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s go-ahead shot attempt with 13.2 seconds left in extra time, was only possible due to the Timberwolves’ remarkable mental toughness.
According to coach Chris Finch, the team’s ability to play through Oklahoma City’s stifling defense, which is ranked as the league’s top unit, was crucial to their success. Finch praised his team for their resilience and effort, saying it took “mental toughness” to overcome the Thunder’s defensive prowess.
The Timberwolves were trailing by 16 points in the final four minutes of regulation but rallied to take 39 free throw attempts, their most in a game since November 2022. Rookie reserve Terrence Shannon Jr.’s 11 points in the fourth quarter proved pivotal in sparking the comeback.
Edwards, who played less than four minutes in the fourth quarter due to a leg injury, returned late in overtime and made a crucial block on Gilgeous-Alexander’s shot attempt. The Timberwolves’ victory marks only the second team in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) to win after trailing by at least that many points with so little time left in regulation.
Minnesota, led by Edwards’ 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, overcame the Thunder’s stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39 points and Jalen Williams’ 27 points. The Timberwolves’ win was a significant boost to their playoff hopes, while Oklahoma City maintained their comfortable lead in the Western Conference.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44004121/edwards-caps-wolves-comeback-clutch-block-vs-thunder