Minnesota timberwolves vs Oklahoma city thunder match player stats
The minnesota timberwolves vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from February 25, 2025 tell the story of one of the most dramatic regular season games between two Western Conference contenders. Minnesota defeated Oklahoma City 131-128 in overtime at Paycom Center, overcoming a large early deficit and a Thunder team that had entered the game with an outstanding 46-11 record and a 26-4 home mark. The final score was only part of the story. The player numbers show how Minnesota’s late offensive surge, efficient free throw shooting, rebounding effort, and contributions beyond its leading scorers combined to produce an important road win.
The game was played one day after Oklahoma City had defeated Minnesota 130-123 on February 24, making the back-to-back matchup especially unusual. The Timberwolves responded immediately, turning a difficult situation into a five-point overtime victory. Minnesota trailed 64-45 at halftime and entered the fourth quarter behind 102-80, yet scored 41 points in the fourth quarter before outscoring Oklahoma City 10-7 in overtime.
For anyone studying the box score, this game is a strong example of why individual statistics need to be examined alongside team efficiency, shot distribution, free throws, turnovers, rebounding, and game flow. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards produced an all-around performance with 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 39 points and also recorded 8 assists, but Minnesota’s balanced production ultimately made the difference.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The final result was Minnesota Timberwolves 131, Oklahoma City Thunder 128 in overtime.
The game took place on February 25, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in front of 18,203 fans. Minnesota improved to 32-27 overall and 16-13 on the road, while Oklahoma City moved to 46-11 despite remaining one of the strongest teams in the league.
The scoring pattern is particularly important:
| Period | Minnesota | Oklahoma City |
| 1st Quarter | 28 | 32 |
| 2nd Quarter | 17 | 32 |
| 3rd Quarter | 35 | 38 |
| 4th Quarter | 41 | 19 |
| Overtime | 10 | 7 |
| Final | 131 | 128 |
The numbers reveal two very different games. Oklahoma City controlled the first 36 minutes, while Minnesota completely changed the momentum during the fourth quarter.
That fourth-quarter explosion was the defining statistical event. Minnesota scored 41 points while holding Oklahoma City to only 19. A team that had been down by 22 points entering the final period suddenly turned the contest into a one-possession game and eventually forced overtime.
How the Game Changed in the Fourth Quarter
A box score can sometimes hide how extraordinary a comeback was. This one does not.
Minnesota scored just 45 points in the first half. Oklahoma City scored 64. The Thunder then added 38 points in the third quarter, giving them a 102-80 advantage entering the fourth.
At that point, Minnesota needed an almost perfect closing stretch.
Instead of relying on one player to manufacture every possession, the Timberwolves received contributions from several players. Their free throw shooting became particularly valuable. Minnesota finished the game 34-of-39 at the free throw line, an excellent 87 percent.
Oklahoma City, by comparison, went 23-of-29, or 79 percent.
The difference was only 11 free throw attempts made, but in a three-point overtime game, every efficient scoring opportunity mattered.
Minnesota also shot 45 percent from the field compared with Oklahoma City’s 42 percent. Neither team was particularly efficient from three-point range, but Minnesota’s overall field goal percentage and free throw accuracy helped offset its lower three-point volume.
The fourth quarter was therefore not simply about making more shots. It was about extending possessions, attacking scoring opportunities, limiting the Thunder’s offensive rhythm, and converting at the foul line.
Jaden McDaniels Leads Minnesota With 27 Points
Jaden McDaniels was Minnesota’s leading scorer with 27 points.
His shooting line was one of the most efficient individual performances in the game. McDaniels finished 9-of-16 from the field and made all 9 of his free throw attempts.
That translates to a 56.25 percent field goal rate while maintaining perfect free throw accuracy.
His 9-of-9 performance at the line was particularly important because Minnesota had to maximize nearly every scoring opportunity during its comeback.
McDaniels’ contribution also illustrates an important point when analyzing the minnesota timberwolves vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats. The highest-profile player on a team does not always have to lead the scoring for that team to win.
Anthony Edwards was the primary star for Minnesota, but McDaniels supplied the scoring efficiency that helped stabilize the Timberwolves’ offense.
His combination of made field goals and perfect foul shooting gave Minnesota a reliable source of points when the team needed to close a major gap.
Anthony Edwards Delivers an All-Around Performance
Anthony Edwards did not have his most efficient shooting night, but his overall statistical contribution was significant.
Edwards finished with:
- 13 rebounds
- 8 assists
- 5-of-15 field goals
- 1-of-6 three-pointers
- 6-of-10 free throws
His rebounding total was the highest on Minnesota, while his 8 assists tied Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the game’s top assist mark.
That combination matters because Edwards contributed in multiple phases rather than depending exclusively on scoring.
His 13 rebounds helped Minnesota finish with 54 total rebounds, one more than Oklahoma City’s 53. His 8 assists were also part of Minnesota’s 29-assist team total.
The shooting numbers were less impressive. Edwards made only 33.3 percent of his field goal attempts and 16.7 percent from three-point range. He also left four free throws unconverted.
Still, evaluating his performance solely through points would miss the larger picture. His rebounding and playmaking helped Minnesota maintain offensive opportunities while also reducing Oklahoma City’s ability to dominate the glass.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Provides Major Bench Scoring
One of the most important supporting performances came from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
He scored 21 points off the bench and shot 7-of-12 from the field. He also went 2-of-4 from three-point range and 5-of-6 at the free throw line.
His 58.3 percent field goal shooting was among Minnesota’s more efficient scoring performances.
Alexander-Walker’s production was especially valuable because bench scoring can become critical during a long game where starters face heavy defensive attention.
Minnesota did not have to rely exclusively on Edwards and McDaniels. Alexander-Walker gave the team another scorer capable of converting possessions efficiently.
His 21 points also meant that Minnesota had three players with at least 21 points:
- Jaden McDaniels: 27
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 21
- Anthony Edwards: 13
Although Edwards did not reach the same scoring total as the team’s leading scorers, his 13 rebounds and 8 assists expanded his overall impact.
Naz Reid’s Scoring and Shooting Profile
Naz Reid finished with a notable scoring contribution, although his efficiency was more mixed.
He shot 7-of-21 from the field, 2-of-8 from three-point range, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
The 7-of-21 shooting line means Reid made 33.3 percent of his field goal attempts. His three-point percentage was 25 percent.
However, Reid’s perfect free throw shooting added useful points to Minnesota’s total.
His performance is an excellent example of why box score analysis should separate volume from efficiency. A player can have a significant scoring role while still struggling with shot conversion.
For Minnesota, the broader offensive picture mattered more than any one inefficient shooting line. The Timberwolves finished with 131 points because several players contributed different types of production.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 39 Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the clear offensive leader for Oklahoma City.
He scored 39 points, leading all players in the game. He shot 11-of-20 from the field, 3-of-5 from three-point range, and 14-of-17 from the free throw line.
His field goal percentage was 55 percent, while his three-point shooting reached 60 percent.
He also made 14 free throws, showing how effective he was at converting opportunities at the line.
In addition to his scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 8 assists, tying Edwards for the highest assist total in the game.
From an individual perspective, this was an excellent performance.
The unusual aspect is that Oklahoma City still lost despite its leading scorer producing 39 points with strong shooting efficiency.
That tells us something important about the contest. The game was not decided by whether Gilgeous-Alexander performed well. He did. Instead, Minnesota found enough ways to win around and against that production.
Isaiah Hartenstein Controls the Rebounding Battle
Isaiah Hartenstein was Oklahoma City’s top rebounder with 10 rebounds.
His work on the glass helped the Thunder finish with 53 total rebounds, just one fewer than Minnesota.
Oklahoma City also recorded 16 offensive rebounds, compared with Minnesota’s 11.
That is a significant number because offensive rebounds create second-chance scoring opportunities.
Despite that advantage, Oklahoma City could not convert its overall possession and rebounding strengths into a win.
Minnesota’s 43 defensive rebounds helped limit the long-term impact of Oklahoma City’s offensive rebounding. The Timberwolves were able to secure enough defensive possessions to survive the Thunder’s activity on the offensive glass.
Aaron Wiggins Adds 19 Points Off the Bench
Aaron Wiggins was Oklahoma City’s leading bench scorer with 19 points.
He shot 8-of-16 from the field, 1-of-6 from three-point range, and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.
His 50 percent shooting from the field gave Oklahoma City useful secondary scoring.
Wiggins’ performance also demonstrates that the Thunder received meaningful contributions outside Gilgeous-Alexander. The issue was not simply a lack of supporting offense.
Oklahoma City scored 128 points, which would normally be enough to produce a strong chance of winning.
Minnesota simply produced 131.
Team Shooting Comparison
The team shooting numbers provide a useful foundation for understanding the result.
| Category | Minnesota | Oklahoma City |
| Field Goals | 44-of-97 | 45-of-106 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45% | 42% |
| Three-Pointers | 9-of-32 | 15-of-49 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 28% | 31% |
| Free Throws | 34-of-39 | 23-of-29 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 87% | 79% |
Oklahoma City made six more three-pointers than Minnesota.
That is a major offensive advantage.
However, the Thunder attempted 17 more three-pointers and made only 31 percent of them. Minnesota’s 28 percent rate was worse, but the Timberwolves compensated through overall field goal efficiency and free throw production.
The biggest contrast was at the free throw line.
Minnesota made 34 free throws.
Oklahoma City made 23.
That 11-point difference was larger than the final three-point margin.
This is one of the clearest statistical explanations for the result.
Rebounding Was Extremely Close
Minnesota finished with 54 rebounds.
Oklahoma City finished with 53.
That one-rebound difference means neither team had a meaningful overall rebounding advantage.
However, the composition of those rebounds was different.
Minnesota recorded:
- 11 offensive rebounds
- 43 defensive rebounds
Oklahoma City recorded:
- 16 offensive rebounds
- 37 defensive rebounds
The Thunder were more aggressive on the offensive glass, but Minnesota collected more defensive rebounds.
This distinction matters because offensive rebounds are valuable only when they lead to efficient second-chance possessions. Oklahoma City’s 16 offensive rebounds created opportunities, but those opportunities were not enough to protect the lead.
Ball Movement and Turnovers
Minnesota recorded 29 assists and 13 turnovers.
Oklahoma City recorded 27 assists and 11 turnovers.
The Thunder therefore had a two-turnover advantage.
That advantage was not enough to determine the game.
Minnesota’s 29 assists suggest that its offense was able to create scoring opportunities through team movement despite the difficult shooting environment from three-point range.
Oklahoma City’s 27 assists were also strong, particularly considering the high scoring output from Gilgeous-Alexander.
The turnover margin shows why a simple “take care of the ball” explanation would be incomplete. Oklahoma City actually committed fewer turnovers.
Minnesota won despite that disadvantage because other statistical categories compensated for it.
Free Throw Shooting Became a Major Difference
Free throws deserve special attention in this matchup.
Minnesota converted 34-of-39.
Oklahoma City converted 23-of-29.
Minnesota therefore scored 87 percent of its free throw attempts, while Oklahoma City converted 79 percent.
The Timberwolves also had 10 more free throw makes.
When a game ends with a three-point difference, a 10-point free throw advantage can fundamentally change the interpretation of the result.
This is why player-level free throw numbers matter.
McDaniels was perfect at 9-of-9.
Alexander-Walker was 5-of-6.
Reid was 6-of-6.
Those three players combined to make 20 of 21 free throws.
That is an extraordinary 95.2 percent conversion rate across their combined attempts.
Edwards was less efficient at 6-of-10, while Gilgeous-Alexander was highly effective for Oklahoma City at 14-of-17.
Minnesota’s 41-Point Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter deserves to be treated as a separate statistical story.
Minnesota scored 41 points.
Oklahoma City scored 19.
The Timberwolves therefore won the fourth quarter by 22 points.
That was enough to erase the Thunder’s enormous advantage after three quarters.
The sequence was not merely a late rally. Minnesota completely reversed the offensive and defensive balance of the game.
Entering the fourth, Oklahoma City had scored 102 points.
Minnesota had scored 80.
By the end of regulation, the totals were 121-121.
That means Minnesota outscored Oklahoma City 41-19 during the final regulation period.
The overtime period then belonged to Minnesota as well, 10-7.
This is the central fact behind the comeback.
Overtime: Minnesota Finishes the Job
After both teams scored 121 points through four quarters, overtime became a five-minute test of execution.
Minnesota scored 10 points.
Oklahoma City scored 7.
The Timberwolves therefore finished the game with a 131-128 victory.
Overtime games often become possession-by-possession contests because the margin for error is small.
Minnesota had already demonstrated during the fourth quarter that it could sustain pressure against the Thunder.
The overtime numbers confirm that the comeback did not collapse once the game became close.
Instead, Minnesota continued producing enough offense to secure the victory.
Why the Three-Point Advantage Did Not Save Oklahoma City
One of the most interesting elements of the minnesota timberwolves vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats is the contrast between three-point production and the final outcome.
Oklahoma City made 15 three-pointers.
Minnesota made only 9.
That gave the Thunder a six-made-three advantage.
Yet Minnesota won.
There are several reasons.
First, Minnesota shot better overall from the field, 45 percent compared with 42 percent.
Second, Minnesota made 34 free throws compared with Oklahoma City’s 23.
Third, the Timberwolves finished with one more total rebound.
Fourth, Minnesota produced two more assists.
Finally, the fourth-quarter performance completely changed the scoring environment.
This is an important lesson for anyone analyzing basketball statistics. A team can dominate one high-value scoring category and still lose if it gives away too many points elsewhere.
Comparing the Two Team Leaders
The direct comparison between Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander is especially interesting.
| Statistic | Anthony Edwards | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Points | Not listed as team-leading total | 39 |
| Rebounds | 13 | Not listed as team-leading total |
| Assists | 8 | 8 |
| FG | 5-of-15 | 11-of-20 |
| 3PT | 1-of-6 | 3-of-5 |
| FT | 6-of-10 | 14-of-17 |
Gilgeous-Alexander had the stronger scoring and shooting performance.
Edwards, however, contributed heavily through rebounding and passing.
This is why comparing only points would provide an incomplete assessment.
The game also shows how different star responsibilities can be. Gilgeous-Alexander carried a huge scoring load for Oklahoma City, while Edwards affected the game across several statistical categories.
The Importance of Secondary Scoring
A recurring theme in the game was the value of secondary scoring.
Minnesota received 21 points from Alexander-Walker and 27 from McDaniels.
Oklahoma City received 19 from Wiggins in addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39.
The difference was not necessarily that Oklahoma City had no supporting offense. It was that Minnesota received enough production across its rotation to keep scoring even when some of its most recognizable players were not shooting efficiently.
Edwards shot 5-of-15.
Reid shot 7-of-21.
Yet Minnesota still scored 131 points.
That is a major indicator of offensive depth.
A Closer Look at Minnesota’s Offensive Profile
Minnesota’s offensive numbers can be summarized through four major strengths:
- Overall field goal efficiency: 45 percent
- Free throw accuracy: 87 percent
- Assists: 29
- Offensive rebounds: 11
Its weaknesses were also clear:
- Three-point shooting: 28 percent
- Turnovers: 13
- Lower three-point volume: 32 attempts compared with Oklahoma City’s 49
This was therefore not a textbook outside-shooting victory.
Minnesota won through a broader scoring profile.
The team was more efficient from the field overall and substantially more effective at the free throw line.
A Closer Look at Oklahoma City’s Offensive Profile
Oklahoma City’s numbers tell a different story.
The Thunder produced:
- 45 made field goals
- 15 made three-pointers
- 23 made free throws
- 53 rebounds
- 27 assists
- 11 turnovers
- 16 offensive rebounds
These are generally strong team numbers.
The problem was that the Thunder could not sustain their first-three-quarter dominance.
The 19-point fourth quarter was the statistical collapse that transformed a comfortable lead into a tied game.
A team can have strong aggregate numbers and still lose when its performance is distributed unevenly across the game.
Season Series Ends 2-2
The February 25 result also completed an even four-game season series between the two teams.
The results were:
- January 1: Oklahoma City 113, Minnesota 105
- February 14: Minnesota 116, Oklahoma City 101
- February 24: Oklahoma City 130, Minnesota 123
- February 25: Minnesota 131, Oklahoma City 128 in overtime
The season series therefore finished 2-2.
That context makes the February 25 game even more interesting.
The teams had already played three times during the season, and Oklahoma City had won the previous day’s matchup.
Minnesota’s response was immediate and dramatic.
Rather than allowing the previous night’s result to dictate the next contest, the Timberwolves produced a comeback victory in Oklahoma City.
What the Box Score Says About Winning Basketball
This matchup provides several useful lessons for interpreting NBA player statistics.
1. The leading scorer does not automatically determine the winner
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, more than any Minnesota player.
Oklahoma City still lost.
2. Efficiency can matter more than raw volume
McDaniels scored 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting and 9-of-9 free throws.
That efficiency gave Minnesota a stable scoring source.
3. Free throws can decide close games
Minnesota made 11 more free throws.
The final margin was three points.
That is too significant to ignore.
4. Rebounding must be analyzed by type
Oklahoma City had more offensive rebounds.
Minnesota had more defensive rebounds.
The total difference was only one.
5. Game timing matters
Minnesota’s fourth-quarter performance was far more important than its poor first-half production.
A full-game box score can show the comeback, but the quarter breakdown explains it.
What Makes This Game Statistically Unique?
The most unusual feature was the combination of an enormous deficit and a complete fourth-quarter reversal.
Minnesota scored only 17 points in the second quarter.
Oklahoma City scored 32.
Then Minnesota scored 41 in the fourth.
The swing between those periods was enormous.
The Timberwolves went from producing one of their lowest-scoring quarters to their highest-scoring quarter at the most important point of the game.
This suggests a dramatic shift in offensive execution.
The fact that the game went to overtime also means Minnesota’s fourth-quarter surge was not simply a temporary scoring run. It lasted long enough to erase the deficit entirely.
Understanding Player Value Beyond Points
The player statistics also show why modern basketball analysis should look beyond points.
Anthony Edwards’ 13 rebounds and 8 assists were highly valuable.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39 points and 8 assists were equally important for Oklahoma City.
McDaniels’ 27 points came with outstanding free throw efficiency.
Alexander-Walker’s 21 points came on 7-of-12 shooting.
Hartenstein’s 10 rebounds helped Oklahoma City win the offensive rebounding battle.
Wiggins’ 19 points provided strong bench scoring.
Each player contributed differently.
The winning team was not necessarily the team with the best individual stat line. It was the team that combined enough positive contributions across categories to overcome its weaknesses.
Minnesota’s Most Important Statistical Advantages
When the numbers are reduced to the categories most closely connected to the final result, Minnesota’s advantages become clearer.
Better overall shooting
Minnesota shot 45 percent from the field.
Oklahoma City shot 42 percent.
Better free throw efficiency
Minnesota converted 87 percent.
Oklahoma City converted 79 percent.
More total rebounds
Minnesota had 54.
Oklahoma City had 53.
More assists
Minnesota had 29.
Oklahoma City had 27.
Stronger late-game scoring
Minnesota scored 41 points in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma City scored 19.
These advantages outweighed Oklahoma City’s superior three-point production and lower turnover total.
Oklahoma City’s Biggest Statistical Advantages
The Thunder also had clear strengths.
More three-pointers
Oklahoma City made 15 compared with Minnesota’s 9.
More offensive rebounds
The Thunder collected 16 offensive rebounds compared with Minnesota’s 11.
Fewer turnovers
Oklahoma City committed 11 turnovers compared with Minnesota’s 13.
Elite individual scoring
Gilgeous-Alexander produced 39 points while shooting 55 percent from the field.
These numbers demonstrate that Oklahoma City did many things well.
The loss was not caused by a complete statistical failure. It came from the way Minnesota’s strengths became decisive late in the game.
The Bigger Meaning of the Matchup
The minnesota timberwolves vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats are valuable because they show how quickly an NBA game can change when efficiency, free throws, rebounding, and late-game execution converge.
At halftime, Oklahoma City appeared firmly in control.
After three quarters, the Thunder still held a 22-point advantage.
But Minnesota’s fourth-quarter performance changed everything.
The Timberwolves did not need to dominate every statistical category. They needed to win enough of the most important possessions at the right time.
That is exactly what happened.
The final score of 131-128 also demonstrates why analysts should avoid declaring a game finished based solely on early scoring margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Timberwolves and Thunder?
Minnesota defeated Oklahoma City 131-128 in overtime on February 25, 2025, at Paycom Center.
Who was the top scorer in the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the game’s leading scorer with 39 points for Oklahoma City.
Who led Minnesota in scoring?
Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 27 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field and 9-of-9 from the free throw line.
How many rebounds did Anthony Edwards have?
Anthony Edwards recorded 13 rebounds, which was the highest total for Minnesota.
How did Minnesota overcome the deficit?
Minnesota scored 41 points in the fourth quarter while limiting Oklahoma City to 19. The Timberwolves then outscored the Thunder 10-7 in overtime.
What was the season series record?
The four-game season series ended tied at 2-2. Each team won two games.
Conclusion
The February 25, 2025 matchup between Minnesota and Oklahoma City was much more than a close final score. The statistics show a game that changed dramatically over 48 minutes and then required overtime to determine a winner.
Oklahoma City had the game’s leading scorer in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who produced 39 points and 8 assists on efficient shooting. The Thunder also made more three-pointers, collected more offensive rebounds, and committed fewer turnovers.
Minnesota countered with balance and late-game execution. Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points with highly efficient shooting and perfect free throw accuracy. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21 points from the bench. Anthony Edwards contributed 13 rebounds and 8 assists while affecting the game beyond his shooting numbers.
The team statistics reinforce the same conclusion. Minnesota shot better overall, finished with more total rebounds and assists, and made 34 free throws at an 87 percent rate. Most importantly, the Timberwolves produced a remarkable 41-point fourth quarter after entering the period down 22.
The result was a 131-128 overtime victory and a 2-2 split in the season series. For readers studying the box score, the most useful takeaway is that this was a victory built on timing, efficiency, depth, and late-game execution rather than one overwhelming statistical advantage.
