Edwards’ 25-Foot 3-Pointer Gives Wolves 112-107 Win Over Thunder

With the clock winding down, the Minnesota Timberwolves trailed the Oklahoma City Thunder by two points in the final minute. The game had been a tight back-and-forth, but the balance tipped when teammate Julius Randle missed his second free throw after making the first. Rudy Gobert leapt and tapped the ball into the backcourt, keeping the Wolves within striking distance. Edwards seized the opportunity, taking possession with the clock ticking. He steered guard Cason Wallace toward the wing, faked a drive, and stepped back from 25 feet. The shot sailed through the air, a step-back three that landed in the net. With 38.5 seconds left, the Wolves seized the lead for good. The score read 112-107 in favor of Minnesota. The Thunder, who had dominated the playoffs, were stunned by the sudden swing. The crowd erupted as the ball swished. The moment was electric and decisive. The Wolves had turned a two-point deficit into a five-point advantage.

Edwards’ confidence was evident as he launched the shot. He said, ‘I’m not passing the ball. I knew it was going up,’ and explained that the ball felt natural after countless repetitions in practice. The guard’s foot injury was not a concern that night; he returned from a three-game absence to produce a double-double. Edwards finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, a performance that matched the team’s expectations. The 25-foot step-back was a signature move, but it was the timing that mattered. The play showcased Edwards’ skill and composure. It also highlighted his ability to read the defense. The shot was a testament to his work ethic. The crowd’s reaction was a mix of awe and excitement. The moment will be replayed for weeks.

After the free throws, Edwards was the first to take control. He quickly moved the ball, steering Cason Wallace toward the wing. The guard faked a drive, drawing defenders. Edwards then pulled back from 25 feet, releasing the ball. The three-pointer traveled through the air and landed in the net. The defense of the Thunder had been tight, but Edwards’ release was precise. The shot gave the Wolves a five-point lead. The clock ticked down to 38.5 seconds. The Thunder had no time to respond. The play was a turning point in the game. It set the tone for the final minutes.

Edwards’ performance extended beyond that decisive shot. He blocked reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s attempt at the rim on the next possession. The block forced a turnover, and Edwards grabbed the defensive rebound. The Thunder held the ball for another attempt, but the Wolves’ defense held firm. Randle then had two free throws, both of which he made, pushing the Wolves’ lead to three. The defense was relentless. The team worked together. The play was a culmination of the Wolves’ defensive strategy. It also demonstrated the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities.

When Gilgeous-Alexander drove up the court, Edwards saw Jaden McDaniels in the gap on the left. He cut off Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to the right, preventing a clear shot. Edwards then swiped the ball as it crossed his face. He said, ‘I knew he was trying to go for a 3,’ and added, ‘Just trying to be solid.’ The move was a defensive highlight. It showcased Edwards’ awareness on both ends of the floor. The play was a testament to his defensive instincts. The crowd cheered loudly. The Wolves were on a roll. The Thunder struggled to find a rhythm.

After the game, Edwards sat in front of his locker and reflected on the win. He remarked, ‘That’s just one win, man. That’s a regular-season win,’ and noted that the Thunder had played at home the night before. He added that the Thunder were ‘the best team in the league by far.’ Edwards acknowledged the challenge of facing the defending champions. He also appreciated the energy of the arena. The Wolves had produced their best performance of the young season. The game had high stakes. The defense was on point. The offense was efficient. The win was a statement.

Donte DiVincenzo, who scored 15 points, praised Edwards’ contribution. He said, ‘At the end of the day, we’re putting the ball in his hands, asking him to bring us home,’ and noted that Edwards delivered. DiVincenzo also highlighted the team’s defensive effort. He said, ‘You could feel every defensive stop, every rebound, every offensive rebound. You could feel how much energy the arena had, the ball had, the teammates had.’ The quote underscored the team’s unity. The Wolves had a record of 17-10. The win was a boost to their standing. The team was energized. The defense had been a strength.

The Thunder, who had a record of 25-3, suffered a rare loss. The team had previously beaten the Wolves 113-105 in Oklahoma City last month. They had also ousted the Wolves in five games in the Western Conference finals last spring. The Wolves had faced them in a high-profile matchup. The Thunder had dominated the playoffs. The game was a reminder of the Wolves’ resilience. The Thunder’s defense was strong. The Wolves’ offense was effective. The win was significant. The Thunder’s record remained strong.

The game highlighted the Wolves’ defensive prowess. The defense had forced turnovers and blocked shots. The offense had capitalized on opportunities. The play was a testament to the team’s preparation. The Wolves had a strong defensive identity. The team had a balanced approach. The win was a morale boost. The Wolves had proven they could compete with the best.

The night was a showcase of talent and determination. The Wolves’ defense held strong against a top-tier offense. The offense was efficient and opportunistic. The team had a clear strategy. The win was a statement of intent. The Wolves were on a winning streak. The Thunder had to regroup. The game was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA. The Wolves had secured a victory that mattered. The fans celebrated the win. The team celebrated the achievement. The night was memorable.

In summary, Anthony Edwards delivered a clutch 25-foot step-back three-pointer with 38.5 seconds left, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The win was the Wolves’ 17th of the season, while the Thunder remained strong with a 25-3 record. Edwards finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and contributed defensively with a block and a steal. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 points, and Julius Randle’s free throws sealed the lead. The game underscored the Wolves’ defensive identity and their ability to perform under pressure. The Thunder, who had previously beaten the Wolves 113-105, suffered a rare loss. The Wolves celebrated a hard-earned win in front of a passionate crowd. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and skill.

The win will resonate in the Wolves’ season as they look ahead to the rest of the regular season. The team will continue to build on this performance. The defense will remain a priority. The offense will look to replicate the success. The Wolves are poised for a strong finish. The Thunder will reflect on this loss. The game was a reminder that any matchup can shift in a single moment. The Wolves have shown that they can rise to the occasion. The fans left the arena buzzing with excitement. The night will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season.