Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder handle Wolves

Field Level Media|published: Tue 26th December, 22:55 2023

Dec 26, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) on a shot during the first quarter at Paycom Center. credits: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-106 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

It was the 14th win in their last 19 for the Thunder and just the third loss in 14 games for the Timberwolves.

Oklahoma City controlled much of the contest, taking the lead for good within the first five minutes.

However, Minnesota didn't go away until late.

The Timberwolves pulled within three late in the second quarter before Oklahoma ripped off a quick 9-1 run fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers by Luguentz Dort.

Then in the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander took over.

He scored 14 points and added three assists as the Thunder went up by many as 15 points. Gilgeous-Alexander made all seven of his field-goal attempts in the period.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14 of 19 from the field and added nine assists and six rebounds. He was 14 of 16 from inside the arc.

After the Thunder stretched their lead to 19 in the first six minutes of the fourth, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch emptied his bench.

Oklahoma City tied its season high shooting percentage, hitting 60.5 percent.

Three other Thunder players joined Gilgeous-Alexander with at least 20 points — Jalen Williams added 21 while Dort and Chat Holmgren had 20 points each.

The teams entered the game as two of the best defensive squads in the league, but early on, it was the offenses that made the most noise.

The Timberwolves were sizzling from the floor from the start, shooting 65 percent (13 of 20) from the field in the first quarter as Anthony Edwards scored 10 of Minnesota's 35 first-quarter points.

The Thunder were even hotter to start, shooting 70 percent (14 of 20) from the field in the first, scoring 40 points, their most in a first quarter this season.

All but one of Oklahoma City's field goals in the quarter were assisted, with Josh Giddey recording six assists.

Edwards led the Timberwolves on the night with 25 points while Mike Conley added 17, going 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 16 points, and Rudy Gobert added 10.

—Field Level Media

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