NBA: Edwards’ 32 Not Enough as Thunder Pull Away Late to Even Series

Despite a gritty 32-point performance from Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves fell short once again, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their playoff series. The Thunder seized control with a dominant third-quarter surge and held off a late Timberwolves rally to even the series.

Edwards, determined to bounce back after a passive Game 1 outing, came out firing. He attempted 10 shots in the first quarter alone and finished with 12-of-26 shooting overall. However, his struggles from deep (1-of-9 from three) proved costly for Minnesota. In addition to his scoring, Edwards added nine rebounds and six assists, doing his best to carry the offensive load.

“After Tuesday, I knew I had to shoot more,” Edwards said, referencing his 13-shot effort in the 114-88 loss in Game 1. His aggressiveness gave Minnesota a fighting chance, keeping the game within reach through the first half.

The Timberwolves were within three points with just over two minutes left in the second quarter, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over for the Thunder, scoring all of his team’s points during a 7-2 run to close the half. The sequence included drawing a key foul on Jaden McDaniels and sinking two free throws to give Oklahoma City a 58-50 advantage at the break.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s improved shooting set the tone for the Thunder. After a slow start in Game 1, he didn’t miss a shot until five minutes before halftime, helping his team overcome a poor 4-of-20 effort from three-point range in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Thunder ratcheted up the defensive intensity. Minnesota endured a six-minute scoring drought, missing seven straight shots and committing five turnovers. Oklahoma City capitalized, ballooning its lead to 24 late in the quarter.

Minnesota responded with a late push, narrowing the gap to 10 points with just over three minutes left in the fourth, but the Thunder responded each time to fend off the comeback.

The Timberwolves’ supporting cast offered only sporadic contributions. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 17 points, while Naz Reid chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds. Julius Randle, a Game 1 standout, managed just six points on 2-of-11 shooting and did not play in the final quarter.

With the series now tied, both teams will look to regroup before Game 3, where Minnesota will hope for more consistency across its roster to back up Edwards’ standout efforts.