By Chris Robinson

The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a statement win in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, crushing the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 at Target Center to win their first game of the series.

Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, dominating from the opening tip. He outscored the Thunder by himself in the first quarter, pouring in 16 points as Minnesota raced to a 34-14 lead.

The first quarter was OKC’s lowest-scoring of the season and they simply couldn’t get going after controlling the action so thoroughly in games 1 and 2.

Edwards’ aggressive play and disruptive defense set the tone, and the Timberwolves never looked back.

Minnesota’s 143 points set a new franchise playoff record, and their 42-point margin marked the Thunder’s worst playoff loss ever and the largest margin of victory against a 65-win team in NBA history. 

The Timberwolves capitalized on Thunder turnovers, scoring 16 points off takeaways in the first quarter alone.

Oklahoma City’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to a season-low 14 points after scoring 69 the first two games. 

The Timberwolves’ defensive intensity and energy were evident throughout, as they led by 31 at halftime and extended the advantage to as much as 45 in the second half.

“Being down 2-0, it’s all about bringing energy, and we definitely brought high energy,” said Edwards after the win.

With the series now 2-1 in favor of the Thunder, Game 4 will also be in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves have won 10 of their last 11 games.

The winner of this series will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com