Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions May 24th 2025

Timberwolves ‘Desperate’ to Hold Off Thunder as Series Shifts to Minneapolis

Down 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves with their backs against the wall. As they return home for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, the urgency is real — and the margin for error is gone.

“We’ve got to be desperate. Every possession matters. Every game, everything matters.”
— Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

With the Thunder controlling the first two games, the Timberwolves know that defending home court is not just important — it’s essential to their survival in this series.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sets the Tone

Oklahoma City has surged to a 2-0 lead thanks to elite execution and the dominant play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s averaging 34.5 points, 8.5 assists, and four rebounds per game. The newly crowned NBA MVP has shown complete command of the floor, and credits his coach, Mark Daigneault, for holding him — and the team — to an unwavering standard.

“He holds me to a standard that never wavers.”
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t alone. Jalen Williams has chipped in with 22.5 points per game, while Chet Holmgren — back in his home state — is adding 18.5 points per contest. The Thunder have also won the turnover battle, forcing 10 more mistakes from Minnesota through the first two games.

Coach Daigneault emphasized that it’s not just about forcing errors but about applying pressure on every possession.

“We’re just trying to make sure we control what we can control.”
— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach

Timberwolves Need a Spark at Home

Anthony Edwards is doing his part, averaging 25 points and nine rebounds, but he’s been limited by poor efficiency — shooting just 43.6 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from deep. For Minnesota to mount a comeback, Edwards will need to take control offensively while minimizing mistakes.

Julius Randle, who has averaged 17 points in the series, was benched in critical moments during Game 2 and knows he needs to stay more involved.

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“I’ve got to get myself into action, get myself on the move.”
— Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have provided additional scoring support, but Minnesota’s biggest battle may be mental — staying sharp, poised, and aggressive in a must-win game.

Fans keeping up with NBA playoff picks know this Game 3 is a turning point. A win for Minnesota keeps the series alive; a loss likely seals their fate.