West-leading Thunder outlast Timberwolves 130-123 behind 37 points from Gilgeous-Alexander

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 130-123 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, marking the opening game of a home-and-home series. The teams will face off again on Monday night in Oklahoma City.

Chet Holmgren contributed 19 points for the Thunder, who set a season-high by shooting 54% from beyond the arc (19 of 35).

Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the court with eight minutes remaining and sparked an 18-4 run over the next 5:16. This came after his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, hit a 3-pointer to give the Timberwolves a 110-105 lead.

For the Timberwolves (31-27), who have now dropped four of their last five games, Anthony Edwards posted 29 points and 10 rebounds. Minnesota fought back from a 19-point deficit in the second quarter but ultimately came up short.

The Thunder (46-10) have only one loss in the last 25 days, which came against Minnesota on February 13. Oklahoma City currently holds a 9 1/2-game lead over both Denver and Memphis for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Off the bench, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso played key roles. Caruso hit three 3-pointers and made a steal that led to a Gilgeous-Alexander 3-pointer in a 2:47 span during the fourth quarter.

The Timberwolves, already missing starters Rudy Gobert (back) and Julius Randle (groin), also lost Jaylen Clark in the third quarter. Clark, who was making his second career start, suffered neck pain after a fall on an off-balance layup. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.