Anthony Edwards scored 26 points as Minnesota defeated Oklahoma City 123-111 on Thursday, hitting four 3-pointers and helping the Timberwolves match a season-high with 22 triples. “It’s super personal,” Edwards said of playing the Thunder. “They put us out last year and they got the reign MVP, so it’s super personal.”
Edwards emphasized the role of defense in the win. “A win like this shows that, if we bring our defensive intensity every night, we’re going to be all right. I think it starts with me. I pick and choose when I want to defend at a super high level and my teammates follow,” he said.
Jaden McDaniels added 21 points, going 5-of-5 from three, while Naz Reid contributed 18 off the bench, hitting four triples. Edwards reflected on his personal growth, saying, “I’m not as close as I want to be, but I’m close. I still don’t like the fact that they think certain people can guard me.”
The Timberwolves used early 3-point shooting to open a 14-point lead in the first quarter, with Edwards scoring 12 points in that stretch. He added, “Tonight I came out and decided to defend at a high level. I’ve got to do that night in and night out, and we all know how hard that is, but I got to take the challenge.”
Edwards also addressed the competitive dynamic with former playoff opponents. “It’s super personal. A win like this shows we’re learning from last year. The team follows the guy they believe in. I love that I can put that on myself. That’s leadership,” he said.
Minnesota converted 16 Oklahoma City turnovers into 30 points, offsetting its own 20 giveaways, while the Timberwolves outrebounded the Thunder 46-36. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 30 points, and Chet Holmgren added 15, but the Thunder fell short despite Isaiah Hartenstein’s return from a 16-game absence.
The Timberwolves have won three straight games after snapping a five-game losing streak. Edwards reflected on his ambitions, saying, “I want people to say we could not guard him. That’s what I want in my career, and I’ve still got work to do.”
Minnesota improves to 30-19 and will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, while Oklahoma City drops to 38-11 and heads to Denver for Sunday’s matchup.
