McDaniels scores 27, and Timberwolves rally from 25-point deficit to beat Thunder 131-128 in OT
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Jaden McDaniels put up 27 points, and Anthony Edwards made a crucial block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winner as the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 25-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 131-128 in overtime on Monday night.
Naz Reid contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21 points for the Timberwolves. Edwards finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, helping Minnesota bounce back after losing 130-123 to the Thunder just the night before.
Despite a standout performance from Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, it was Edwards who made the pivotal play, blocking his attempt at the rim with 13.2 seconds left in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander later missed a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining that could have tied the game.
Jalen Williams also had 27 points, and Aaron Wiggins chipped in with 19 for Oklahoma City, who remain in the lead of the Western Conference with a 46-11 record. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who had been out for three months with a pelvic fracture, was given the night off, while center Isaiah Hartenstein left the game in the second quarter after suffering a bloody nose and did not return.
Oklahoma City seemed in control with an 82-57 lead midway through the third quarter, and held a commanding 102-80 advantage heading into the final period. However, the Timberwolves mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Thunder 41-19, fueled by Terrence Shannon’s 11 points during the stretch. Minnesota managed the rally without Edwards for most of the fourth quarter, as he played only 3 ½ minutes in that period. The Timberwolves also managed to secure the win without center Rudy Gobert, who was sidelined with lower back spasms.
The Thunder, despite the lead, struggled with open shots that didn’t fall. McDaniels’ and-one basket with 11.9 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 121, sending it into overtime.
In an historic feat, the Timberwolves became the first team in NBA history to win a road game after trailing by 20 or more points entering the fourth quarter against a team with an .800 or better winning percentage, according to OptaStats.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, while the Thunder will visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
