Terrence Shannon Jr. Breaks Out in Game 3: From Role Player to Game-Changer in 13 Minutes
The Western Conference Finals just delivered another unforgettable chapter — not from a star-studded starting five, but from the most unexpected hero on the court: Terrence Shannon Jr.
In just 13 minutes of action off the bench, the 23-year-old rookie exploded for 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a dominant Game 3 victory and a 2–1 series lead.
It was the definition of a breakout performance. Before Game 3, Shannon had logged only six total points in limited minutes during the postseason. But with the lights brightest and the moment calling for energy and execution, Shannon answered — emphatically.
Seizing the Moment
Shannon checked into the game midway through the second quarter with Minnesota already holding a solid lead. But what followed was a stretch of pure adrenaline, hustle, and scoring efficiency. Shannon drove hard to the rim on his first touch, drawing contact and sinking both free throws. On the next possession, he drained a mid-range jumper off the dribble. Then came a spot-up three in transition. Just like that, Target Center took notice.
“He was fearless,” said teammate Anthony Edwards after the game. “He came in and just hooped like he’s been here before. That’s what we need in the playoffs — guys who step up when it’s their time.”
And Shannon did just that. With the Timberwolves’ second unit looking to hold momentum while the starters rested, Shannon gave them much more than that — he ignited a scoring run that blew the game wide open. The Wolves went on a 14–2 tear during Shannon’s key minutes in the second and early third quarters, fueled by his relentless energy on both ends of the floor.
Beyond the Box Score
While the 15 points in 13 minutes jumps off the stat sheet, Shannon’s impact went even further. He played with urgency on defense, diving for loose balls, closing out on shooters, and getting back in transition. On one critical possession, he blocked a layup attempt on a fast break, then sprinted down the court and finished with an and-one at the other end.
“Plays like that change games,” head coach Chris Finch said. “Terrence came in and made winning plays — not just scoring. He competed. He brought edge.”
That edge might have been born from his journey — undrafted, overlooked, and under the radar throughout much of the regular season. Shannon spent much of the year developing his game and waiting for a moment like this. On the biggest stage, in a high-stakes Western Conference Finals, he finally got it.
And he didn’t hesitate.
Confidence from the Pack
After the game, Shannon was all smiles but stayed humble.
“I just wanted to be ready when my name was called,” Shannon told reporters. “I’ve been watching, learning from these guys all year. I just wanted to bring energy, play hard, and do whatever I could to help us win.”
That mindset is exactly what the Timberwolves have built their identity on — unselfish play, team-first mentality, and trusting the entire roster.
Veteran guard Mike Conley praised Shannon’s preparation and attitude.
“He works. That’s the thing,” Conley said. “Every practice, every film session, he’s locked in. So we weren’t surprised. He earned that moment.”
Changing the Series?
With Minnesota already up by double digits for most of the night, Shannon’s burst may not have been the game-winner — but it was a moment that shifted the emotional tone of the series. It sent a message: the Wolves are deep, dangerous, and not reliant on just their stars.
In playoff basketball, it’s often the unlikely heroes who tip the scales. One game, one shift, one hot hand can turn the tide of an entire series. With Shannon’s performance, the Wolves now have another weapon in their already loaded arsenal.
“Everyone knows about Ant and KAT,” said forward Kyle Anderson. “But if guys like Terrence are going to come in and drop 15 in a quarter, good luck beating us.”
Looking Ahead
The question now is whether Shannon’s performance earns him more minutes as the series continues. Coach Finch was non-committal but acknowledged the boost Shannon provided.
“We’ll keep evaluating, but there’s no question he gave us a spark,” Finch said. “That’s what these games are about — finding the hot hand, riding momentum, and trusting your guys.”
For Shannon, the future is bright. Whether he plays 13 minutes or 30 in Game 4, one thing is clear: he’s no longer just a name at the end of the bench. He’s part of the story now.
And in a playoff run that’s already rewriting Timberwolves history, Terrence Shannon Jr. just added his chapter — loud, proud, and unforgettable.
The @Timberwolves roll in Game 3. The bench steps up. And Terrence Shannon Jr. makes his mark.
🐺🔥 #NBAConferenceFinals @sn1pert
