The Minnesota Timberwolves came out blazing in Game 3 of their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, delivering a jaw-dropping offensive display that left fans, analysts, and even opposing players speechless. By halftime, the Wolves had racked up the most points in any half of a playoff game in franchise history—an explosive 76-point barrage that felt more like an All-Star game than postseason basketball. 😳
With the Timberwolves leading by a commanding margin at the break, the entire basketball world was watching, tweeting, and talking. It wasn’t just the score—it was how they did it. Fast-paced ball movement, lights-out shooting, dominant defense turning into instant transition offense—this was a team locked in, playing at the peak of its powers.
A Statement First Half
Coming into the game, the Thunder had been riding high after a gutsy win in Game 2. Their youth, speed, and intensity had given them an edge early in the series. But by the time the halftime buzzer sounded in Game 3, it was clear: the Wolves weren’t just back—they were making a statement.
From the opening tip, Minnesota dictated the tempo. Anthony Edwards, already gaining traction as a breakout postseason superstar, came out aggressive and efficient, hitting his first five shots and finishing the half with 22 points, 5 assists, and a fire in his eyes.
Karl-Anthony Towns followed suit, punishing mismatches inside and stretching the floor with his smooth perimeter game. His inside-out presence made it nearly impossible for the Thunder to load up defensively, and when they tried, he found open shooters with surgical precision.
But this performance wasn’t just about the stars. Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all contributed in a balanced, relentless offensive attack. By halftime, the Wolves had shot over 60% from the field, including a scorching 11-for-18 from three-point range.
Historic Numbers
The 76 first-half points set a new franchise record for the most in a single half of playoff basketball—surpassing their previous mark of 68 set during the Kevin Garnett era. For context, most playoff games in the grind-it-out Western Conference rarely see 76 points scored in an entire game, let alone one half.
This wasn’t just hot shooting; it was disciplined, intentional offense fueled by spacing, unselfishness, and relentless energy. The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder 26-6 in fast break points by halftime, completely flipping the script on a team known for its transition game.
Defensively, they were just as locked in. Rudy Gobert anchored the paint with multiple blocks and altered shots, while the Wolves’ perimeter defenders hounded Thunder ball-handlers into rushed decisions and contested jumpers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s superstar guard, was held to just 8 points in the half—thanks to a stifling team effort led by McDaniels and Edwards. The Thunder’s offense looked disjointed and overwhelmed, and the Wolves pounced on every mistake.
Momentum Shift in the Series?
With such a dominant performance, the Timberwolves sent a loud message to both the Thunder and the rest of the league: they’re not just here to make noise—they’re here to run through the bracket.
The question now becomes: is this a turning point in the series? The Wolves already had a chip on their shoulder after dropping Game 2 in a tight contest. Coming home to a raucous crowd at the Target Center, they clearly fed off the energy. The crowd was electric from the jump and reached fever pitch after back-to-back transition dunks from Edwards and Reid in the second quarter.
Head coach Chris Finch credited the team’s mindset in his halftime walk-off interview: “We talked about coming out with focus and urgency. The guys locked in. This is who we are when we play connected.”
That connectedness was on full display. Minnesota assisted on 21 of their 29 first-half field goals, demonstrating a level of chemistry and selflessness that can carry a team deep into the postseason.
Can OKC Respond?
For the Thunder, halftime couldn’t come soon enough. The young squad looked rattled and outmatched—but they’ve shown resilience before. Led by coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have bounced back from tough starts all season long. Still, the margin in this game—and the sheer energy the Wolves are playing with—might be too much to overcome unless something drastic shifts.
One thing is clear: the Thunder will need much more from their supporting cast, especially from shooters like Isaiah Joe and Josh Giddey, who went a combined 2-for-11 in the first half. SGA will have to be more assertive, and the Thunder’s defense must find a way to slow down the Wolves’ offensive onslaught.
Looking Ahead
With halftime behind them and a record already in the books, the Timberwolves are riding high. The confidence in the locker room is sky-high, and the Target Center faithful are fully behind a squad that looks like it’s turning a corner—not just in this series, but in their playoff identity.
Anthony Edwards summed it up best when mic’d up on the bench before the break: “We not letting up. Foot on the gas. All game.”
If the Timberwolves can carry this energy and execution into the second half—and beyond—there’s no telling how far this team can go. One thing’s for sure: history was made tonight in Minneapolis, and the Wolves aren’t done yet.
