Minnesota Timberwolves lost the first and second matches of the Western Conference Finals. This put their team in trouble. Now they had the third match in front of them, in which it was very important to win. If they had lost this match as well, it would have been very difficult to make a comeback in the series.
But the Timberwolves’ Game 3 win was very special. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101. It was a big and spectacular win. This win not only changed the score but also brought back the team’s confidence.
Every player contributed to this victory. No single player became the star, but the entire team worked together to ensure victory. Coach Chris Finch’s strategy, the hard work of the players and the support of the audience – all these together turned Game 3 into a victory.
Coach Chris Finch made some changes after the loss in the previous game. He talked to the team, made a plan and gave new players a chance. This is why the Timberwolves’ Game 3 win was so impressive.
One important change was that the coach brought Terrence Shannon Jr. from the bench to the field. Shannon also did not miss the opportunity. He scored 15 points in just 13 minutes. Not only this, he snatched the ball and also made some great layups. The audience was very happy.
Shannon was able to play only two minutes in the first two matches. But this time he showed everyone that he is also important for the team. Coach Finch said that he wanted to bring a player who can run fast, is physically strong and brings new enthusiasm to the team.
On the other hand, Julius Randle’s performance was also excellent. In the last match, the coach had made him sit in the fourth quarter. But this time he made a tremendous comeback. He scored 24 points and strengthened the team. He scored with 60% shooting, which is considered quite good.
Coach Finch praised Randle, saying that it is normal to have bad days, but the most important thing is to bounce back. And that is what Randle did – he made a strong comeback.
Anthony Edwards also played aggressively from the beginning of the match. He scored 16 points in the first quarter. He snatched the ball, dunked and put pressure on the Thunder team. By half time he had 20 points.
Not just the main players, the bench players also performed brilliantly in this victory. Nickel Alexander-Walker scored 12 points, Leonard Miller scored 11 points and Naz Reid scored 10 points. Mike Conley also added 6 points. With the contribution of all these, the team scored 143 points – which is a huge score.
Now let’s talk about Thunder’s star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whom people call SGA. He has been selected as this year’s MVP (Most Excellent Player). He played very well in the first two games. But this time the Timberwolves’ plan stopped him.
SGA managed to score only 14 points. He also got very few chances to take free throws. He had taken 29 free throws in the last two games, but this time he got only 4. The Timberwolves made him work hard for every point.
Coach Finch said the team did not commit too many fouls and did not allow SGA to take easy shots. That was the reason they were not able to score big. This strategy worked and was another reason for the Timberwolves’ Game 3 win.
Now all eyes are on Game 4. If the Timberwolves win one more match, the series will be tied at 2-2. Then the match will be even for both teams.
Coach Finch and his team are now full of confidence. They have shown that one can make a comeback even after a defeat. The players worked hard, supported each other and played as a team.
The Timberwolves’ Game 3 win also shows that if the plan is right and every player plays his role, any team can win big games. They not only won the game, but also won the trust of their fans.
Now it remains to be seen if they can replicate the same performance in Game 4. Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be able to get back into his element? Or will the Timberwolves be able to keep their momentum going by getting another win?
One thing is for sure – this series is now going to get even more exciting.
