Timberwolves face elimination after Thunder extend series lead to 2-0
- The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference finals 2-0 after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 in Game 2.
- Anthony Edwards scored 32 points for Minnesota, but the team struggled with shooting, with Julius Randle scoring only six points.
- The Timberwolves face a critical Game 3, knowing that no NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 playoff series deficit.
In the ongoing Western Conference finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves face a significant challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have taken a 2-0 lead in the series. The two teams met again on May 22, 2025, where the Thunder triumphed 118-103 despite a strong performance from Timberwolves' All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who scored 32 points but struggled against the Thunder's defense. Earlier in the series, Minnesota suffered a harsh defeat in Game 1, which set the tone for the Timberwolves' struggle in this postseason. As the Timberwolves traveled back home for Game 3 at Target Center in Minneapolis, they are well aware that no NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series. Team frustration has surfaced, especially after Julius Randle's disappointing Game 2 performance, where he scored only six points. While Edwards has attempted to be more aggressive, the team's overall efficiency has waned, with open shot opportunities squandered. Players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker expressed optimism about future performances, indicating they are working hard to rectify their shooting woes. The Thunder, on the other hand, have demonstrated notable composure and resilience, showcasing their offensive capabilities, particularly through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded 38 points in Game 2. Additionally, Chet Holmgren, a Minneapolis native, played skillfully, contributing 22 points to secure the win for Oklahoma City. The Thunder's blend of precision and relentless attack has proven challenging for Minnesota, who have struggled to adapt to their fast-paced style of play. Looking ahead to Game 3, the Timberwolves know they must elevate their level of play defensively, improve their shooting accuracy, and maintain high levels of mental toughness to have any chance of avoiding elimination. The tone is set for what promises to be a do-or-die game for Minnesota as they look to harness the energy of their home court against the formidable Thunder squad.