Huazi played a crucial role in sealing the game as the Timberwolves’ head coach was ejected, narrowly defeating the Thunder and handing them their third loss of the season.

On December 20th, during the 25-26 NBA regular season, the defending champion Thunder traveled to face the Timberwolves. After a hard-fought contest, the Timberwolves edged out the Thunder 112-107, handing the Thunder their third defeat this season. In the final moments, Edwards first hit a go-ahead three-pointer, then blocked Alexander and immediately stole the ball from him.

Statistics

Thunder: Alexander scored 35 points with 5 rebounds and 7 assists, Jalen Williams added 17 points and 7 rebounds, Holmgren contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Dort scored 11 points.

Timberwolves: Edwards posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks; Gobert had 9 points and 15 rebounds; Randle scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists; DiVincenzo contributed 15 points.

Game Progress

At the start of the first quarter, Edwards opened with a three-pointer, but the Thunder quickly responded with a 12-4 run led by Jalen Williams and Alexander. Midway through the quarter, Timberwolves head coach Finch was ejected after a heated argument with the referees over calls, receiving consecutive technical fouls. The Thunder capitalized on the Timberwolves’ disrupted focus, scoring through free throws and three-pointers to extend their lead to 12 points. The Timberwolves tried to close the gap, but the Thunder maintained control, ending the first quarter ahead 33-23. In the second quarter, the Timberwolves effectively curtailed the Thunder’s offense, gradually narrowing the deficit with free throws and three-pointers. After Hyland hit a three-pointer, the Timberwolves cut the lead to just 2 points. Towards the end of the quarter, both teams exchanged points. The Timberwolves limited the Thunder to only 18 points in the second quarter. At halftime, the Thunder led the Timberwolves by 3 points, 51-48.

After the break, the Timberwolves’ perimeter shooting exploded, with DiVincenzo hitting three consecutive three-pointers and Edwards also connecting from beyond the arc, tying the game at 62-62. Jalen Williams responded with a three-pointer, but the Timberwolves then went on an 8-0 run. The Thunder were not defeated, as Alexander took charge of the offense, scoring both inside and outside, leading the team on a scoring surge to regain the lead. After three quarters, the Thunder were ahead by 2 points. In the final quarter, the Thunder started cold, and the Timberwolves seized the moment with a 12-4 run. Alexander grabbed consecutive rebounds and led the Thunder on a new scoring run to retake the lead. In the closing moments, Edwards hit a three-pointer and Randle added points from the free-throw line, putting the Timberwolves up 110-107. In the final seconds, the Thunder’s offensive attempt failed, and the Timberwolves secured the victory by scoring additional free throws.

Starting Lineups

Thunder: Alexander, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Dort, Harttenstein

Timberwolves: Edwards, Gobert, Randle, DiVincenzo, McDaniels