okc thunder vs timberwolves match player stats
The NBA season is heating up, and few games capture the excitement like a showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. On December 19, 2025, these Western Conference powerhouses faced off at the Target Center in Minneapolis, delivering a game full of drama, clutch plays, and standout performances. The Timberwolves emerged victorious with a 112-107 score, handing the Thunder just their third loss of the season. This article dives deep into the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats, breaking down individual contributions, team efficiencies, and key moments that shaped the outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up, you’ll find a clear analysis of how players stepped up in this high-stakes battle.
OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves Match Player Stats Overview
The game started with the Thunder dominating the first quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 33-23. However, Minnesota fought back, flipping the script in the second half. By halftime, the Thunder led 51-48, but the Timberwolves took control in the third quarter, entering the final period up 85-83. The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with Anthony Edwards hitting a crucial three-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to give Minnesota the lead for good. Edwards then sealed the deal with a steal from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the closing seconds.
Team stats highlighted the intensity in the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats: The Thunder shot 37% from the field (34-92) and 28% from beyond the arc (11-39), but excelled at the free-throw line with 93% accuracy (28-30). Minnesota wasn’t much better at 38% field goal percentage (33-88) and 35% on threes (13-37), but they attempted a season-high 47 free throws, making 33. Rebounding favoured the Timberwolves 57-52, which proved vital in maintaining possession during critical stretches. Turnovers were close, with Oklahoma City at 12 and Minnesota at 13, but the home team capitalised more on second-chance opportunities.
A notable event was Timberwolves coach Chris Finch’s ejection midway through the first quarter after arguing with officials over non-calls. Assistants and security had to restrain him as he protested vehemently, adding to the charged atmosphere of the nationally broadcast game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats Breakdown
The Thunder, now 25-3 after the loss, relied heavily on their stars but struggled with depth scoring. Here’s a detailed look at OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats:
Starters’ Contributions
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s leading scorer poured in 35 points on 12-26 shooting, including 3-7 from three and a perfect 8-8 from the line. He added 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 37 minutes, with a +5 plus-minus. His late-game efforts kept OKC in it, but the steal by Edwards proved costly.
- Jalen Williams: Scored 17 points on 6-16 field goals (2-4 from three, 3-4 free throws). He grabbed 7 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and had 2 steals plus 1 block in 32 minutes, though his 4 turnovers and -9 plus-minus reflected defensive lapses.
- Luguentz Dort: Contributed 11 points, all from threes (3-10), with 2-2 free throws. In 29 minutes, he had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, but 5 fouls limited his impact, ending with a -7 plus-minus.
- Isaiah Hartenstein: A quiet night offensively with just 1 point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), but he dominated the glass with 10 rebounds (3 offensive) and 1 block in 28 minutes, posting a +9 plus-minus.
- Chet Holmgren: Tallied 14 points on 4-9 shooting (0-2 from three, perfect 6-6 FT), with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 25 minutes. His defensive presence was felt, but 3 fouls and a -8 plus-minus showed room for improvement.
Bench Impact
The Thunder’s reserves provided sparks but couldn’t overcome the starters’ inefficiencies:
- Ajay Mitchell: 14 points on 5-10 shooting (0-2 threes, 4-4 FT), with 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 23 minutes.
- Alex Caruso: 7 points (2-7 FG, 1-6 threes, 2-2 FT), but shone with 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in 23 minutes.
- Isaiah Joe: 6 points from two threes (2-5), adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 13 minutes.
- Cason Wallace: Only 2 points (0-3 FG, 2-2 FT), but 3 steals in 27 minutes highlighted his defensive hustle.
Overall, the Thunder had five players in double figures, with 16 assists on 34 made baskets, showing good ball movement despite the shooting woes in the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats Breakdown
The Timberwolves improved to 18-10 with the win, showcasing balanced scoring and resilience. Their stats reveal how they edged out the victory:
Starters’ Performances
- Anthony Edwards: The game’s hero with 26 points (9-20 FG, 3-6 threes, 5-6 FT), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 41 minutes. His clutch plays down the stretch, including the game-winning three, were pivotal.
- Julius Randle: 19 points despite poor shooting (3-15 FG, 1-4 threes), but 12-16 from the line boosted his total. He added 8 rebounds and 5 assists in 32 minutes, with a +10 plus-minus.
- Donte DiVincenzo: 15 points (5-12 FG, 4-10 threes, 1-3 FT), 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in 33 minutes, providing key outside shooting.
- Rudy Gobert: 9 points (3-7 FG, 3-7 FT), but dominated with 14 rebounds (6 offensive) and 1 assist in 33 minutes.
- Jaden McDaniels: 13 points (4-13 FG, 1-6 threes, 4-4 FT), 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 37 minutes.
Bench Contributions
Minnesota’s depth was crucial in the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats:
- Naz Reid: 15 points (5-10 FG, 0-4 threes, 5-7 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 31 minutes.
- Bones Hyland: 13 points all from threes (4-7 FG, 4-6 threes, 1-2 FT), with 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 16 minutes.
- Rob Dillingham: Scoreless (0-4 FG), but 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 12 minutes, showing playmaking potential.
The Timberwolves recorded 20 assists and forced 12 turnovers from OKC, using their rebounding edge to control the pace.
Comparative Analysis of Team Stats
Comparing the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats reveals intriguing contrasts. Oklahoma City edged out in field goal attempts (92 vs 88) but lagged in efficiency. Minnesota’s 57 rebounds compared to OKC’s 52 allowed more second-chance points, while their 33 made free throws (despite 70% accuracy) provided a buffer. Both teams blocked shots well—OKC with 10, Minnesota with 6—but steals favoured the winners 8-7.
Shooting splits:
- Thunder: 37% FG, 28% 3PT, 93% FT
- Timberwolves: 38% FG, 35% 3PT, 70% FT
These numbers underscore how free throws and rebounds tilted the game toward Minnesota, despite OKC’s hot start.
Historical Context and Rivalry Insights
This matchup carried extra weight, as the Thunder eliminated the Timberwolves in five games during last season’s Western Conference finals en route to their NBA championship. The loss dropped OKC from a 24-1 start, but they remain on pace for a historic season. For Minnesota, the win boosts confidence against top competition, especially with Edwards emerging as a clutch performer.
FAQ
What was the final score of the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats game on December 19, 2025?
The Minnesota Timberwolves won 112-107.
Who were the top scorers in the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 35 points for OKC, while Anthony Edwards scored 26 for Minnesota.
How did Anthony Edwards impact the game?
Edwards not only scored 26 points but also grabbed 12 rebounds and made clutch plays, including a game-winning three and a steal in the final moments.
What were the team rebounding totals?
Minnesota outrebounded OKC 57-52, with Rudy Gobert leading at 14 rebounds.
Why was Coach Chris Finch ejected?
Finch was ejected in the first quarter after arguing with officials over perceived non-calls on fouls.
Conclusion
The December 19, 2025, clash between the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats was a showcase of elite talent and gritty determination. While the Thunder’s stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly, Minnesota’s balanced attack and rebounding prowess, led by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, proved decisive in the 112-107 victory. This game highlights the competitive nature of the Western Conference and sets the stage for potential playoff rematches. Analysing the OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves match player stats reveals strengths and areas for growth for both teams as the season progresses.
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