OKLAHOMA CITY — In an electrifying game, Jaden McDaniels led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 27 points to secure a remarkable 131-128 overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, overcoming a daunting 25-point deficit in the second half. Anthony Edwards played a crucial role in the final moments by blocking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winning shot.
With a strong supporting cast, Naz Reid scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 21 points. Anthony Edwards also delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, redeeming himself and his team after a previous 130-123 loss to the Thunder.
Despite Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 39 points alongside 10 rebounds and eight assists, the Thunder fell short. Edwards’ pivotal block came with just 13.2 seconds left in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander missed a critical three-point attempt in the last moments that could have pushed the game into another overtime.
For the Thunder, Jalen Williams tallied 27 points, and Aaron Wiggins added 19 in a game where they continued to lead the Western Conference with a 46-11 record. However, they missed the contributions of forward Chet Holmgren, who was resting after a return from a pelvic fracture, and faced additional setbacks when center Isaiah Hartenstein left the game due to a nose injury.
Oklahoma City established a commanding lead, 82-57, during the third quarter and maintained a strong position at 102-80 going into the final quarter. Yet, a fierce comeback by the Timberwolves in the fourth quarter, fueled by Terrence Shannon’s 11 points, helped outscore the Thunder 41-19, forcing the game into overtime.
Key moments included McDaniels’ scoring and drawing a foul with 11.9 seconds remaining in regulation. His successful free throw tied the game at 121, leading to overtime.
In a historical feat, Minnesota became the first NBA team to win a road game, overcoming a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter against a team with an .800 or better winning percentage, as noted by OptaStats.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves are set to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while the Thunder will face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
