Edwards Propels Timberwolves Over Thunder in Western Conference Rematch
On January 29, 2026, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a convincing 123-111 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a high-stakes matchup at the Target Center. This game marked a significant chapter in the ongoing rivalry, reminiscent of the intense Western Conference Finals from the previous season. The Timberwolves improved to 30-19, while the Thunder’s record fell to 38-11 after the defeat.
Dominance of Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards played a pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ success, scoring a game-high 26 points. His performance included a strong start, where he single-handedly helped establish a 34-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. The team leveraged a double-digit advantage throughout the game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- First Quarter Score: Timberwolves 34, Thunder 22
- Halftime Score: Timberwolves 63, Thunder 50
- Final Score: Timberwolves 123, Thunder 111
Thunder’s Struggles
The Thunder entered the game with a strong 38-10 record but struggled without key players Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams, both sidelined due to injuries. This absence significantly weakened their defensive efforts, allowing the Timberwolves to exploit matchups.
Despite the loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood out for Oklahoma City, scoring 30 points and contributing 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Chet Holmgren added 15 points and played a role in keeping the contest competitive.
Injury Impact
Injuries impacted both teams significantly. Oklahoma City was missing:
- Alex Caruso (right adductor strain)
- Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain)
- Ajay Mitchell
- Thomas Sorber
- Nikola Topić
The Timberwolves also felt the absence of veteran point guard Mike Conley and several others, including Enrique Freeman and Terrence Shannon Jr.
Statistical Overview
The scoring efficiency of the Timberwolves was crucial to their victory. They recorded:
- Shooting Percentage: 50.7% from the field
- Three-point Percentage: 47.5% from beyond the arc
The Thunder struggled, shooting just 36% from the field and 22% from three-point range in the early stages of the game. This poor shooting performance hindered their ability to keep pace with Minnesota.
Looking Ahead
This win not only provided momentum for the Timberwolves but also allowed them to make a statement against a team that had previously eliminated them in the playoffs. Coach Chris Finch praised the team’s resilience and expressed confidence in their ongoing improvement.
Meanwhile, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the need for adjustments and depth as they navigate through their tough road schedule. As the NBA season progresses, both teams remain in the fight for a strong playoff position in the competitive Western Conference.
Fans eagerly await the next encounter between these rivals, as the intensity and drama are sure to continue unfolding.
