Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Player Stats

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Player Stats

The oklahoma city thunder vs minnesota timberwolves match player stats from Game 5 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals tell a much bigger story than the final 124-94 score. Oklahoma City did not simply win the deciding game at Paycom Center on May 29, 2025. The Thunder controlled the game through efficient shooting, aggressive defense, balanced scoring, rebounding, and ball movement, closing the series with a 4-1 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 34 points and 8 assists, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points and 7 rebounds. For Minnesota, Julius Randle scored 24 points, but Anthony Edwards was held to 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting as the Timberwolves struggled to generate consistent offense.

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves Match Player Stats

Game 5 was the decisive contest of the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota entered the night needing another strong performance after winning Game 3 and pushing Oklahoma City in Game 4. Instead, the Thunder responded with their most complete performance of the series.

The final score was Oklahoma City 124, Minnesota 94.

The 30-point margin was created early. Oklahoma City scored 26 points in the first quarter while Minnesota managed only 9. That 17-point opening gap became the foundation for the rest of the night.

The Thunder then produced 39 points in the second quarter, taking a 65-32 halftime lead. Minnesota improved offensively after halftime, but the deficit was already too large to overcome.

The quarter-by-quarter scoring was:

Quarter Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder
1st 9 26
2nd 23 39
3rd 30 23
4th 32 36
Final 94 124

This game is particularly useful for understanding why box score analysis needs more than a quick look at points. Several Thunder players influenced the result without needing huge scoring totals.

Game Overview and Series Context

The matchup took place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with an announced attendance of 18,203.

The Thunder had entered the postseason matchup with a 68-14 regular-season record and a 35-6 home record. Minnesota had finished 49-33 overall and 24-17 on the road.

The series results were:

Game Result Date
Game 1 Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88 May 21, 2025
Game 2 Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103 May 23, 2025
Game 3 Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101 May 25, 2025
Game 4 Thunder 128, Timberwolves 126 May 27, 2025
Game 5 Thunder 124, Timberwolves 94 May 29, 2025

The series therefore ended 4-1 in Oklahoma City’s favor.

Game 3 showed that Minnesota was capable of overwhelming the Thunder offensively. The Timberwolves scored 143 points in that contest. But the deciding game went in the opposite direction. Oklahoma City combined efficient offense with disruptive defense and forced Minnesota into 21 turnovers.

That contrast is one of the most important lessons from the series.

How the Thunder Built a 30-Point Victory

The first major difference was shooting efficiency.

Oklahoma City made 46 of 88 field-goal attempts, producing a 52 percent field-goal percentage. Minnesota made 35 of 85 shots, finishing at 41 percent.

That nine-percentage-point difference translated into a substantial advantage in made baskets.

The Thunder also made 14 of 35 three-point attempts, good for 40 percent. Minnesota converted 12 of 34 from outside, or 35 percent.

Free throws also favored Oklahoma City.

The Thunder went 18-of-21 from the line, while Minnesota finished 12-of-15.

The combined shooting profile looked like this:

Category Timberwolves Thunder
Field Goals 35-85 46-88
Field-Goal % 41% 52%
Three-Pointers 12-34 14-35
Three-Point % 35% 40%
Free Throws 12-15 18-21
Free-Throw % 80% 86%
Rebounds 39 46
Assists 16 26
Turnovers 21 14
Steals 7 14
Blocks 6 8

The most striking difference may not be the shooting numbers themselves. It was the combination of shooting and possession control.

Oklahoma City had 26 assists compared with Minnesota’s 16. The Thunder also committed seven fewer turnovers.

That means Oklahoma City was both creating more efficient scoring opportunities and giving Minnesota fewer chances to attack in transition.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Delivered the Defining Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the central offensive figure in the game.

He finished with:

Statistic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Minutes 34
Points 34
Field Goals 14-25
Three-Pointers 2-4
Free Throws 4-4
Rebounds 7
Assists 8
Turnovers 2
Steals 2
Blocks 0
Plus/Minus +23

His 34 points came on 14-of-25 shooting, which is particularly important in a playoff environment.

He did not need an excessive number of three-point attempts. Instead, he consistently converted his overall scoring opportunities.

His eight assists also demonstrate that his influence extended beyond scoring.

One of the clearest indicators of Oklahoma City’s offensive balance was that Gilgeous-Alexander could score at a high level while simultaneously creating opportunities for teammates.

The Thunder did not require him to manufacture every possession alone.

Chet Holmgren Added Efficient Two-Way Production

Chet Holmgren provided another major contribution.

He recorded 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks in 30 minutes.

His shooting line was 8-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. He also converted 4-of-6 free throws.

His complete line was:

Statistic Chet Holmgren
Minutes 30
Points 22
Field Goals 8-13
Three-Pointers 2-4
Free Throws 4-6
Rebounds 7
Assists 0
Turnovers 0
Steals 0
Blocks 3
Plus/Minus +21

The zero turnovers are especially notable considering the volume of his offensive contribution.

His three blocks also illustrate how his defensive value complemented the scoring of Gilgeous-Alexander.

Minnesota had to account for Holmgren around the perimeter and near the basket, making defensive assignments more difficult.

Jalen Williams Was an Important Secondary Creator

Jalen Williams did not lead Oklahoma City in scoring, but his overall contribution was substantial.

He finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

His shooting was 7-of-14 from the field, and he made 4-of-5 free throws.

He also finished with a team-best plus/minus of +25 among the listed Thunder players.

Statistic Jalen Williams
Minutes 32
Points 19
Field Goals 7-14
Three-Pointers 1-4
Free Throws 4-5
Rebounds 8
Assists 5
Turnovers 4
Steals 1
Blocks 1
Plus/Minus +25

The four turnovers prevent the line from being perfect, but his rebounding, passing, scoring and defensive activity still made him a major part of Oklahoma City’s control.

His eight rebounds were the most on the Thunder.

That matters because Oklahoma City did not allow Minnesota to dominate the glass despite the Timberwolves’ size.

Luguentz Dort Provided Defensive and Perimeter Value

Luguentz Dort scored 12 points and made four three-pointers.

He finished 4-of-11 from the field and 4-of-10 from beyond the arc.

His line also included four rebounds, one assist and three steals.

The three steals were a reminder that his impact was not limited to perimeter shooting.

Dort played 38 minutes, the most of any Thunder player listed in the starting lineup.

His plus/minus was +24.

That combination of heavy minutes, perimeter shooting and defensive activity gave Oklahoma City another important piece alongside its primary creators.

Isaiah Hartenstein Made His Minutes Count

Isaiah Hartenstein played only 17 minutes but produced eight points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

He shot 4-of-5 from the field.

His plus/minus was +11.

This is an excellent example of why player evaluation should not depend exclusively on scoring totals.

Hartenstein scored eight points, but his defensive activity was arguably just as important. Two steals and two blocks in 17 minutes indicate that he was active on both ends.

He also contributed five rebounds.

Oklahoma City’s Bench Added Useful Contributions

The Thunder’s bench did not need to carry the scoring load because the starters had already created a large advantage. However, several reserves still made important contributions.

Alex Caruso finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. He also made all six of his free throws and finished +13.

Isaiah Joe was particularly efficient.

He played six minutes and scored 11 points while shooting 4-of-4 from the field and 3-of-3 from three-point range.

That is an extraordinary short-minute scoring burst.

Cason Wallace added 5 points, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 24 minutes. His plus/minus was +25.

Kenrich Williams contributed four rebounds and one steal in seven minutes while finishing +12.

The reserve production helped Oklahoma City maintain its energy without requiring the leading players to play excessive minutes during a game that was effectively decided before the fourth quarter.

Minnesota Timberwolves Player Performance

The Timberwolves had individual contributors, but their production was not consistent enough to match Oklahoma City’s collective efficiency.

Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points.

Anthony Edwards followed with 19.

Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr. each scored 11 points.

The problem was that Minnesota’s scoring was uneven, particularly among several starters.

Julius Randle Led Minnesota’s Scoring

Randle was the most productive Timberwolves scorer.

He recorded:

Statistic Julius Randle
Minutes 31
Points 24
Field Goals 8-14
Three-Pointers 4-6
Free Throws 4-5
Rebounds 5
Assists 3
Turnovers 4
Steals 1
Blocks 0
Plus/Minus -28

His 4-of-6 three-point shooting was one of the more efficient elements of Minnesota’s offense.

However, the -28 plus/minus reflects the broader team situation. Randle scored efficiently, but Minnesota still lost his minutes by a significant margin.

That distinction is important.

A player can produce strong individual scoring numbers while the opponent controls the overall game.

Anthony Edwards Faced a Difficult Offensive Night

Anthony Edwards played 39 minutes, the most of any Timberwolves player.

He finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

His shooting line was 7-of-18 from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range.

He also went 4-of-6 at the free-throw line.

Statistic Anthony Edwards
Minutes 39
Points 19
Field Goals 7-18
Three-Pointers 1-7
Free Throws 4-6
Rebounds 6
Assists 2
Turnovers 3
Steals 0
Blocks 1
Plus/Minus -29

The biggest issue was his three-point efficiency.

One make on seven attempts meant Minnesota did not receive the perimeter scoring it needed from its primary offensive star.

Edwards also finished with a -29 plus/minus, the lowest listed figure for either team’s primary players.

That does not mean the entire defeat can be assigned to Edwards. Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure and overall offensive execution contributed heavily to the result.

Still, his shooting numbers help explain why Minnesota struggled to keep pace.

Jaden McDaniels Struggled to Generate Offense

Jaden McDaniels finished with only 5 points.

He shot 2-of-13 from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range.

He did contribute five rebounds and one assist, but the offensive efficiency was a major problem.

His plus/minus was -16.

Against a team shooting 52 percent, Minnesota could not afford extended stretches of inefficient offensive possessions.

Rudy Gobert Had Limited Offensive Influence

Rudy Gobert scored only 2 points in 19 minutes.

He made his only field-goal attempt and added five rebounds, one assist and one block.

His offensive role was limited, but the larger concern was that Minnesota was unable to consistently turn its size advantage into efficient scoring.

When Oklahoma City combined perimeter pressure with interior defensive activity, Minnesota struggled to find reliable scoring sequences.

Mike Conley Had a Quiet Statistical Night

Mike Conley finished without a point.

He attempted three field goals and missed all of them.

He recorded one assist, one turnover, two steals and one block.

His plus/minus was -22.

The defensive contributions were useful, but Minnesota needed more offensive organization from its experienced point guard in a deciding playoff game.

Naz Reid Provided Efficient Scoring but Faced Turnover Issues

Naz Reid scored 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

He also grabbed five rebounds and recorded one steal and three blocks.

His shooting efficiency was excellent.

However, he committed five turnovers.

That is a critical detail because Minnesota finished with 21 turnovers as a team.

Reid’s scoring efficiency helped, but turnovers reduced the value of those possessions.

The Timberwolves Bench Had Mixed Results

Several Minnesota reserves contributed useful scoring.

Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 11 points in 16 minutes and made all four of his free throws.

Rob Dillingham scored 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting and added two assists.

Josh Minott and Luka Garza each finished with 4 or fewer points, while Donte DiVincenzo scored 6 points and collected six rebounds.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker struggled significantly, going 0-of-8 from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range.

The bench therefore produced moments of offensive efficiency, but it could not compensate for the overall team deficit.

Team Statistics Explain the Final Score

Looking at the full team numbers provides a clearer explanation of the 30-point margin.

Shooting

Oklahoma City shot 52 percent from the field.

Minnesota shot 41 percent.

That difference was substantial enough to create a major scoring gap even before considering turnovers and assists.

Three-Point Shooting

The Thunder made 14 three-pointers compared with Minnesota’s 12.

The difference was not enormous in raw makes, but Oklahoma City also shot a higher percentage.

Rebounding

The Thunder won the rebounding battle 46-39.

The seven-rebound advantage was important because Minnesota could not consistently create second chances.

Assists

Oklahoma City recorded 26 assists.

Minnesota had 16.

The 10-assist difference illustrates the contrast in offensive connectivity.

The Thunder were moving the ball and finding multiple scoring options.

Turnovers

Minnesota committed 21 turnovers.

Oklahoma City committed 14.

That seven-turnover difference gave the Thunder additional opportunities while also preventing Minnesota from developing sustained offensive rhythm.

Steals

The Thunder recorded 14 steals.

Minnesota had seven.

That two-to-one difference demonstrates the defensive pressure Oklahoma City applied throughout the game.

Blocks

Oklahoma City had eight blocks.

Minnesota recorded six.

Both teams showed defensive activity around the basket, but the Thunder’s overall disruption was more significant because it was combined with 14 steals.

Why the First Half Decided the Game

The most important statistical fact from the game may be the halftime score.

Oklahoma City led 65-32.

Minnesota scored only 32 points during the entire first half.

The Thunder scored 26 points in the first quarter and then added 39 in the second.

That means Oklahoma City scored 65 points before Minnesota could establish a competitive offensive rhythm.

Minnesota did respond after halftime, scoring 30 points in the third quarter and 32 in the fourth.

But by that stage the game was already effectively decided.

This is a useful reminder when interpreting final box scores. A team can improve substantially in the second half and still lose by 30 because the initial deficit was too large.

The Defensive Turnover Battle Was Crucial

Minnesota’s 21 turnovers were especially damaging.

Turnovers do not merely appear as a negative number in a box score. They represent possessions that fail to produce a shot, free throws or offensive rebound opportunities.

Oklahoma City’s 14 steals suggest that many of those turnovers were actively created by defensive pressure rather than being entirely self-inflicted mistakes.

The Thunder’s 14 steals were double Minnesota’s seven.

That gave Oklahoma City another avenue for generating offense.

The combination of 14 steals and 26 assists is particularly revealing.

The Thunder were converting defensive pressure into offensive opportunities and then moving the ball effectively once they gained possession.

What the Plus/Minus Numbers Reveal

Plus/minus should never be treated as a standalone measure of individual quality, but in a game this one-sided it can help identify which lineups were controlling the contest.

For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams finished +25, Luguentz Dort +24, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +23 and Chet Holmgren +21.

For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards finished -29 and Julius Randle -28.

Those figures align with the overall game story.

Oklahoma City’s core lineup consistently controlled its minutes, while Minnesota’s primary players spent much of the game dealing with a large deficit.

A Deeper Look at Offensive Efficiency

The scoring difference was 30 points.

Oklahoma City scored 124 points from 88 field-goal attempts, while Minnesota scored 94 from 85 attempts.

The Thunder therefore generated considerably more offense without taking dramatically more shots.

The field-goal percentage difference is the clearest explanation.

Oklahoma City’s 52 percent shooting compared with Minnesota’s 41 percent.

The Thunder also received strong production from multiple players.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34.

Holmgren scored 22.

Jalen Williams scored 19.

Dort scored 12.

Isaiah Joe added 11 in just six minutes.

This distribution made Oklahoma City difficult to defend because stopping one scorer did not eliminate the offensive threat.

What Minnesota Needed but Could Not Sustain

Minnesota needed several things to happen simultaneously.

First, Edwards needed a more efficient perimeter performance.

Second, the Timberwolves needed stronger production from their starting lineup.

Third, they needed to reduce turnovers.

Fourth, they needed to prevent Oklahoma City from generating easy transition opportunities.

None of those areas developed consistently enough.

Randle’s 24 points were useful.

Edwards’ 19 points were not insignificant.

Reid shot extremely well.

But the overall offensive structure was too inconsistent.

What the Game Says About the Series

The five-game series had dramatic swings.

Game 1 was an 88-114 Minnesota defeat.

Game 2 ended 118-103 in Oklahoma City’s favor.

Game 3 was the major Minnesota response, with the Timberwolves winning 143-101.

Game 4 was extremely close, with Oklahoma City winning 128-126.

Then came the 124-94 deciding victory.

The series therefore contained both a 42-point Minnesota win and a 30-point Oklahoma City win.

That is why looking only at the final series result does not fully describe the matchup.

Minnesota demonstrated that it could create a high-scoring offensive performance. Oklahoma City demonstrated greater consistency across the series and ultimately won four of five games.

Player Comparison: Thunder vs Timberwolves

A direct comparison of the leading players provides a useful summary.

Category Thunder Leader Timberwolves Leader
Points Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 34 Julius Randle, 24
Rebounds Jalen Williams, 8 Anthony Edwards, 6
Assists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 8 Julius Randle, 3
Steals Alex Caruso, 4 Mike Conley, 2
Blocks Chet Holmgren, 3 Naz Reid, 3
Best Listed Plus/Minus Jalen Williams, +25 Josh Minott, +4

The table shows how Oklahoma City spread production across several players.

Minnesota had individual performances, but Oklahoma City’s statistical distribution was broader.

Most Important Numbers to Remember

For readers who want the shortest useful statistical summary, these are the numbers that matter most:

  1. Oklahoma City won 124-94.
  2. The Thunder won the series 4-1.
  3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and had 8 assists.
  4. Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and recorded 3 blocks.
  5. Jalen Williams posted 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
  6. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points.
  7. Anthony Edwards scored 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting.
  8. Oklahoma City shot 52 percent from the field.
  9. Minnesota shot 41 percent.
  10. The Thunder had 26 assists against Minnesota’s 16.
  11. Oklahoma City committed 14 turnovers compared with Minnesota’s 21.
  12. Oklahoma City recorded 14 steals compared with Minnesota’s seven.
  13. The Thunder won the rebounding battle 46-39.
  14. Oklahoma City led 65-32 at halftime.

Together, these figures explain the result far better than the final score alone.

How to Read Player Stats More Accurately

One of the biggest mistakes in basketball analysis is focusing exclusively on points.

A player scoring 24 points can have a strong individual game while still being part of a losing team.

Randle is a good example.

He led Minnesota with 24 points and shot 8-of-14 from the field. His four three-pointers were also valuable. Yet the Timberwolves still lost his minutes by 28 points according to the listed plus/minus.

The same principle applies to bench players.

Isaiah Joe scored 11 points in six minutes. That does not mean he had a greater overall impact than a starter who played more than 30 minutes. His contribution should be understood in the context of his role and playing time.

The most useful analysis combines:

  • Scoring
  • Shooting efficiency
  • Rebounding
  • Playmaking
  • Turnovers
  • Steals
  • Blocks
  • Minutes
  • Plus/minus
  • Team context

That approach gives readers a much more realistic understanding of performance.

Why Oklahoma City’s Balance Mattered

The Thunder did not depend on a single statistical category.

They won the shooting battle.

They won the rebounding battle.

They won the assist battle.

They won the turnover battle.

They won the steal battle.

They also had more blocks.

When a team wins across this many categories in a playoff game, a large margin becomes much more likely.

The Thunder’s performance was therefore not simply the result of Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 34 points.

His scoring was important, but the surrounding structure made the performance sustainable.

Holmgren provided efficient scoring and rim protection.

Jalen Williams contributed scoring, rebounding and passing.

Dort provided perimeter shooting and defense.

Caruso generated steals and converted his free throws.

Hartenstein provided interior defense and rebounding.

Even Isaiah Joe’s brief scoring burst added another layer to the attack.

Why Minnesota’s 94 Points Were Not Enough

Minnesota’s 94 points were not necessarily an indication of a completely ineffective offense.

The problem was the contrast with Oklahoma City’s 124.

The Timberwolves scored 85 field goals and made 35.

They made 12 three-pointers.

They shot 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Those numbers can produce a competitive score under normal circumstances.

But the Thunder’s 52 percent field-goal shooting, combined with 26 assists and 14 steals, created too many advantages.

The first half made the difference even more pronounced.

Final Assessment of the Match

The most accurate way to describe this game is as a comprehensive Oklahoma City performance rather than simply a poor Minnesota performance.

Minnesota certainly had problems.

Edwards struggled from three.

McDaniels shot poorly.

Conley did not score.

The team committed 21 turnovers.

But Oklahoma City’s performance actively created many of those difficulties.

The Thunder defended aggressively, moved the ball effectively, shot efficiently and maintained pressure after establishing an early lead.

The 30-point victory was therefore supported by multiple statistical indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the most points in Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 34 points for Oklahoma City. Julius Randle was Minnesota’s leading scorer with 24 points.

What was the final score of Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5?

Oklahoma City defeated Minnesota 124-94 on May 29, 2025, at Paycom Center.

How many points did Anthony Edwards score?

Anthony Edwards scored 19 points. He shot 7-of-18 from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range.

How many assists did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 8 assists along with 34 points and 7 rebounds.

Who led the Thunder in rebounds?

Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 8 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each recorded 7.

Who won the Western Conference Finals series?

Oklahoma City won the series 4-1 and advanced after defeating Minnesota 124-94 in Game 5.

Conclusion

The oklahoma city thunder vs minnesota timberwolves match player stats show why Oklahoma City was able to close the Western Conference Finals with such a decisive result.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the headline performance with 34 points and 8 assists, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and the Thunder received valuable defensive and scoring contributions from players throughout the rotation.

Minnesota’s best individual scorer was Julius Randle with 24 points, while Anthony Edwards finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds. However, Edwards struggled from three-point range, and the Timberwolves as a team committed 21 turnovers while producing only 16 assists.

The decisive statistical differences were clear. Oklahoma City shot 52 percent compared with Minnesota’s 41 percent, collected 46 rebounds compared with 39, recorded 26 assists compared with 16, and produced 14 steals compared with seven.

Most importantly, Oklahoma City established control immediately. The Thunder led 26-9 after one quarter and 65-32 at halftime. Minnesota improved offensively after the break, but the early deficit was too large.

The final 124-94 score therefore reflected more than one hot scorer or one poor shooting night. It represented a complete team performance that combined efficient offense, defensive pressure, rebounding, ball movement and possession control. The result also ended the series 4-1 and sent Oklahoma City forward after a convincing deciding-game performance.

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