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Game 4 Showdown: Timberwolves Aim to Even Series Against Thunder

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, trailing the series 2–1. After a dominant 143–101 victory in Game 3, Minnesota looks to capitalize on home-court momentum and even the series before it shifts back to Oklahoma City.





🗓 Game Info

  • Date: Monday, May 26, 2025

  • Time: 8:30 PM ET

  • Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

  • Series: Thunder lead 2–1


📊 Team Performance Metrics

Team

PPG

FG%

3P%

RPG

APG

TO/G

STL/G

Oklahoma City Thunder

120.5

48.2%

37.5%

44.8

26.9

12.3

10.3

Minnesota Timberwolves

114.3

46.8%

35.2%

44.3

26.1

13.1

8.0


🔥 Key Player Trends

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG): The 2025 NBA MVP leads the playoffs with 32.7 PPG on 51.9% shooting.  However, he was held to 14 points in Game 3, his lowest output this postseason. 


  • Jalen Williams (SF): Averaging 20.1 PPG in the playoffs, Williams' offensive consistency is crucial, especially after a quiet Game 3 performance.


Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Anthony Edwards (SG): Exploded for 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game 3, showcasing his ability to lead the offense. 


  • Julius Randle (PF): Contributed 24 efficient points in Game 3, providing a reliable scoring option alongside Edwards.


🧠 Tactical Matchup Analysis

In Game 3, Minnesota's defense stifled Oklahoma City's offense, limiting them to 40% shooting from the field and 31% from beyond the arc.  The Timberwolves effectively clogged driving lanes, forcing the Thunder into contested perimeter shots.

Offensively, Minnesota's ball movement and shot selection were exemplary, resulting in a 143-point outburst. The bench, led by Naz Reid's 10 points and 8 rebounds, provided a significant boost. 


For Oklahoma City, adjustments are necessary. Re-establishing their transition game and improving perimeter shooting will be key to countering Minnesota's defensive schemes. Additionally, increasing defensive intensity to disrupt the Timberwolves' offensive rhythm is imperative.


📈 Home/Away & Historical Trends

  • Home Court Advantage: Minnesota boasts a 25–16 home record this season, while Oklahoma City holds a 32–8 away record. 


  • Series Momentum: Each game in the series has been a blowout, with an average margin of victory of 28 points, indicating significant swings in momentum.


🧾 Final Analytical Summary

Game 4 serves as a pivotal juncture in the Western Conference Finals. A Minnesota victory would tie the series and shift momentum, while an Oklahoma City win would place them one game away from the NBA Finals.


The Timberwolves' Game 3 performance was emphatic—dominating both ends of the court with suffocating defense and a balanced offensive attack. Anthony Edwards’ leadership and the depth shown by the supporting cast point to a team with a higher ceiling when they execute.


However, consistency is a lingering concern for Minnesota, and Oklahoma City has shown resilience all season, particularly on the road (32–8 away record). That said, the blowout loss in Game 3 exposed potential matchup issues, especially if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t able to dictate tempo.

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