In a West Finals rematch, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder outdueled Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves to improve to a league-best 18–1.
Oklahoma City found themselves in unfamiliar territory, locked in a tight contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves—far removed from the early-season blowouts that had defined their campaign.
The Thunder, usually in full control, had to dig deep—but they had a reassuring constant in MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA delivered a 40-point masterclass to lead Oklahoma City past Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, 113–105, extending the Thunder’s winning streak to 10 games in NBA Cup West Group A play on Thursday, November 27 (PH time).
It marked his 29th career 40-point outing, complemented by six rebounds and six assists over 37 minutes.
After Chet Holmgren sank two free throws to give the Thunder a 105–101 lead, Edwards answered with a clutch step-back three over Isaiah Hartenstein to keep Minnesota within a point at 105–104.
Oklahoma City responded as Lu Dort drove to the basket and found a wide-open Holmgren on the left wing, who drilled a critical three with 37.5 seconds left to push the Thunder ahead 108–104.
Hartenstein then came up huge with a block on Donte DiVincenzo’s drive, and Gilgeous-Alexander iced the game with two calm free throws.
The victory improved Oklahoma City to 3–0 in NBA Cup play and a league-best 18–1 overall.
Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 31 points, while Terrence Shannon Jr. added 18 in a losing effort.
Minnesota has now dropped five of their last six meetings with the Thunder, including the five-game West Finals loss last May.
The Timberwolves conclude their group stage at 2–2, while the Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, November 29 (PH time).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.