The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of their season ending after a narrow Game 4 defeat at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony Edwards’ disappointing performance against Thunder played a significant role in the Timberwolves falling behind 3-1 in their Western Conference playoff series with the Thunder.
The first three games of the series ended with margins of 15 points or more, but Game 4 was much closer, with neither team leading by more than 11 points at any time. Despite maintaining most of the lead during the game, the Thunder were met with consistent Minnesota pushes, resulting in an intense back-and-forth. The Timberwolves cut the deficit to just two points with over four minutes left, but the Thunder quickly responded with a 5-0 run that stretched their advantage to seven points.
Minnesota closed the gap again thanks to a three-pointer from Jaden McDaniels, narrowing the score to 123-121 with 23 seconds remaining. In the closing moments, fouling became prevalent as both teams attempted to gain free throws, but the Thunder ultimately held on to secure a 128-126 victory at the Target Center.
Markieff Morris Criticizes Edwards’ Uninspired Showing in Crucial Game
Minnesota’s leading scorer, Anthony Edwards, struggled through the game, finishing with 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Commenting on Edwards’ performance during an appearance on Get Up, Markieff Morris expressed disappointment with the Timberwolves guard’s lack of aggression.
Coming out the way he came out in the first half of the Western Conference finals game, a must-win game, that’s unacceptable,
Morris stated.
Two shots in the first half. One came with 34 seconds left in the first quarter. The second made basket didn’t come until 10 minutes left in the third quarter. That’s unacceptable.
—Markieff Morris, Former NBA Player
Morris also highlighted the sharp contrast in energy between Edwards and the Thunder’s star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander aggressively set the tone, ending with 40 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds on 13-of-30 shooting. In the first half alone, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting, while Edwards attempted only two shots and scored four points before halftime.
Timberwolves Bench Steps Up Despite Edwards’ Slow Start
Although Edwards struggled early, the Timberwolves remained competitive, trailing by just eight points at halftime. Edwards improved in the second half, adding 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Nevertheless, it was Minnesota’s bench that made a significant impact, contributing 64 points in total. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo each scored over 20 points, helping keep the game close despite Edwards’ slow offensive start.
Timberwolves Face Do-or-Die Situation in Game 5
Now trailing 3-1 in the series, Minnesota is on the brink of elimination and must win Game 5 to stay alive. The decisive matchup will be played at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN. The Timberwolves will need a much stronger effort from Edwards if they hope to advance beyond the Western Conference semifinals this season.