The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a historic comeback on Monday night, rallying from a 25-point second-half deficit to stun the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards delivered a game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential go-ahead shot in the final seconds of overtime.Â
Despite playing without Rudy Gobert, Minnesota erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit, outscoring Oklahoma City 41-19 behind a late surge from reserve Terrence Shannon, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the period. Naz Reid contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21.Â
Edwards, limited to under four minutes in the fourth, still finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. McDaniels’ three-point play with 11.9 seconds left in regulation forced overtime, where Minnesota held on for the improbable win. Let’s provide a grade for every Timberwolves player after this miraculous comeback victory.Â
Jaden McDaniels: A
Stats: 27 PTS, 10 REB (2 OREB, 8 DREB), 4 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 9-16 FG, 0-0 3PT, 9-9 FT, -3, 42 MIN
McDaniels was the steadying force for Minnesota throughout the game, delivering a team-high 27 points while showcasing his versatility on both ends. His aggressive drives and efficiency at the free-throw line (9-of-9) kept the Timberwolves within striking distance, and his clutch three-point play with 11.9 seconds left in regulation was the defining moment of the comeback. Add in his 10 rebounds and four assists, and it was a standout performance from the forward.
Naz Reid: B+
Stats: 22 PTS, 11 REB (2 OREB, 9 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 7-21 FG, 2-8 3PT, 6-6 FT, +3, 41 MIN
Reid battled through an inefficient shooting night (7-of-21) but made up for it with his relentless activity on the glass and timely buckets. He knocked down two three-pointers and went a perfect 6-for-6 at the line, playing a crucial role in keeping Minnesota afloat without Rudy Gobert. His 22-point, 11-rebound double-double was a testament to his impact, even if his shot wasn’t always falling.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: B+
Stats: 21 PTS, 5 REB (0 OREB, 5 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 7-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 5-6 FT, +23, 35 MIN
Alexander-Walker provided an efficient scoring punch, knocking down 7-of-12 shots and hitting two of his four three-pointers. His ability to get to the free-throw line and make plays off the dribble helped Minnesota chip away at the deficit, and his +23 plus-minus was the highest of any starter. While his numbers weren’t flashy, his presence was critical in sparking the comeback.
Terrence Shannon Jr.: B+
Stats: 17 PTS, 10 REB (2 OREB, 8 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 7-10 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-3 FT, +12, 29 MIN
Shannon was a game-changer off the bench, erupting for 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as Minnesota made its furious rally. He shot an efficient 7-of-10 from the field and added 10 rebounds, proving to be an invaluable presence in the absence of Gobert. His defensive contributions, including two blocks and a steal, helped swing momentum in the Timberwolves’ favor.
Anthony Edwards: B
Stats: 17 PTS, 13 REB (2 OREB, 11 DREB), 8 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 4 TO, 4 PF, 5-15 FG, 1-6 3PT, 6-10 FT, -7, 36 MIN
It wasn’t the most efficient night for Edwards, who struggled from the field (5-of-15) and at the free-throw line (6-of-10), but he still found ways to impact the game. His 13 rebounds and eight assists demonstrated his willingness to contribute beyond scoring, and his game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime was a reminder of his defensive potential. Even on an off night, he made winning plays.
Rob Dillingham: B
Stats: 12 PTS, 4 REB (2 OREB, 2 DREB), 5 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 4-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 3-3 FT, +19, 26 MIN
Dillingham provided a nice spark off the bench, contributing 12 points and five assists while maintaining a solid +19 plus-minus. He knocked down a three-pointer and was perfect at the free-throw line, showing his ability to contribute in multiple ways. His playmaking was key in keeping the offense flowing, and his effort on the boards was a nice bonus from the guard spot.
Mike Conley: C+
Stats: 8 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, 3-5 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 14 MIN
Conley had a quiet night offensively, finishing with just eight points and one assist in limited minutes. He did shoot efficiently (3-of-5) and knocked down two three-pointers, but he wasn’t as involved in playmaking as usual. His veteran presence is always valuable, but this wasn’t a game where he made a major impact.
Jaylen Clark: C
Stats: 5 PTS, 1 REB (1 OREB, 0 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 4 PF, 1-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -18, 29 MIN
Clark saw extended minutes but struggled to make a big impact, finishing with just five points and one rebound. He did manage to dish out two assists and record a steal, but his four fouls and -18 plus-minus showed some of his struggles. He continues to develop, but this wasn’t his strongest performance.
Luka Garza: N/A
Stats: 2 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-4 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -7, 9 MIN
Garza didn’t have much of a role in this one, logging just nine minutes and scoring two points on 1-of-4 shooting. His three-point shot wasn’t falling (0-of-3), and he wasn’t able to contribute much in terms of rebounding or playmaking.
Joe Ingles: N/A
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, +1, 5 MIN
Ingles only played five minutes and didn’t score, though he did manage two assists. His veteran leadership is always a plus, but with such limited time on the floor, he didn’t have a chance to make a real impact.
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