0.1%. It is Minnesota's “probability of victory” Estimated by ESPN 9 minutes and 34 seconds from the end of the fourth quarter on Monday, against the Thunder.
OKC then led 108-86 in a one-way match, managed by the master by the western leader. Then everything changed from A to Z, from nowhere, for a XXL success of visitors 128-129. “” This victory is as if there was no chance that she will perform, even in hell »» It was blown Nickeil Walker-Alexander. But how did the Wolves draw themselves from such a situation, against one of the league cadors in such circumstances?
Bet on the attack of the circle rather than the prayers from afar
Among the best teams in the 3-point league this season, Minnesota could not bring lightning to the Thunder at the Paycc Center. Very clumsy in the first period (4/18 behind the arc), the Wolves had to change their rifle. And they were able to adapt to the vagaries of a incredible match.
The Thunder was already deprived of Chet Holmgren, left to rest, and also lost Isaiah Hartenstein for good at the start of the third quarter, after having received a blow in the face in the first period. Without his two arch protectors, Oklahoma City was more exposed. And Minnesota gave it to heart.
“” It's so frustrating to play this team because they make a ton of mistakes, really »Analyzed coach Chris Finch at a press conference. “” They are doing all the time for all the time. And you can't really touch Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the other side. It's something very frustrating, and it requires great mental strength to try to play in front of that. We were finally able to attack the basket and force the decision for ourselves, and we were rewarded. »»
From six faults caused at rest, the Wolves finished the match with 30 whistles in their favor. For a 34/39 with free throws, including an impeccable 22/22 in the fourth quarter and the extension. And Minnesota finishes with only nine 3-point baskets registered.
Oklahoma City has managed to contain an opponent twenty times under 30% by far this season for a balance sheet of 18-2. The two defeats? Both against Anthony Edwards' teammates…
Anthony Edwards preserved, Responsible replacements
“Ant-Man” was not particularly at the party on Monday. Not in the rhythm, very well taken by the defense of OKC, the rear frequently broke into the canvas of the Thunder. He even let himself be won by frustration, collecting an offensive fault for having dismissed Gilgeous-Alexander after a screen. Chris Finch then cut to the heart by depriving himself of his star during a large part of the fourth quarter and extension.
A sacred bet, while many other executives (Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Donte Divincenzo) were already missing and Naz Reid had been hit at the ankle at the end of the third quarter. But a winning bet.
Chris Finch counted on an improbable five to come back in the blow with Rob Dillingham, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Terrence Shannon Jr, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid on the prosecution. Without complex, young players on the bench gave back to the Wolves. “” We were just on fire, trying to fight to come back in this match “Said at NBA TV Terrence Shannon Jr, evening hero with his 17 points including 11 in the 4th act, and 10 rebounds. “” We did everything we could to get there. We didn't do anything special, we just stood at our game plan, what the coach asked us. »»
“” This team is fighting, she has always done so “Underlined Chris Finch. “” We don't always play the most beautiful sneakers. But she has been fighting for a long time. The guys at the end of the bench were phenomenal. It was obvious by sequences that we were a little short in fuel, we could not put something in place. But the pace of the match changed when the replacements entered. »»
Jaden McDaniels finished best scorer with 27 points, Terrence Shannon Jr., he broke his career record that dated … from the last match against OKC (13 units). And Anthony Edwards in all of this? Chris Finch explained that he was suffering from the calf all the match and that is why he had waxed the bench so much. Before returning at the end of extension to sign a counter as decisive as it is spectacular on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 13 seconds from the end. “” It asked me for everything I had in me “He reacted. “” What is crazy is that I don't feel like I have jumped so high. »»
Blocked by Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/mny4eueksw
– Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Cut Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from his teammates
“SGA” had so far been in its standards with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. But the Canadian could not weigh as much as usual in the (rare) ends of a tight match.
The Wolves have made the choice, as in the last two games between the two teams, to offer preferential treatment to “SGA” to limit its impact from the past median line. “” We did a good job with the two -on -him sockets, making he don't have the ball in hand “Summarizes Terrence Shannon Jr.” That's about what we wanted to do and live with what other Thunder could do. »»
Next to the nuance that this time, Minnesota waited to be at the bottom of the hole to opt for this plan. “” We did not want to start the match like that, we thought they would be more than ready for this Admitted Chris Finch after the match. Better late than never, since OKC only shot 8/37 in the cumulative in the fourth quarter and the extension, 5/29 if we except “SGA”.
The Thunder obtained good shots, but did not sanction. And he ended up paying it dearly. The Wolves equal the biggest comeback in their history, the fourth in the era of the “Play-By-Play” since 1997-1998 throughout the NBA with 24 points behind in the fourth quarter before winning.
In Last 29 Seasons of NBA Basketball There Have Just Four 4th Quarter Comebacks of 24+ points…
-27 LAL 105 vs. Dal 103 12/6/02
-26 ATL 126 vs. CLE 125 OT 4/9/17
-25 BRK 123 @ bag 121 03/19/19
-24 min 131 @ OKC 128 OT 2/24/25– Alan Horton (@wolvesradio) FEBRUARY 25, 2025
