The NBA’s Western Conference has long been a battleground for elite teams, but few matchups in the 2024-25 season captured the imagination quite like the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder rivalry. From nail-biting regular-season clashes to the high-stakes drama of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, this series pitted two of the league’s most dynamic squads against each other. At the heart of it all? Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder match player stats that told a story of explosive scoring, tenacious defense, and star-studded performances.
For fans searching for Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder match player stats, this article dives deep into the numbers. We’ll explore key individual contributions, advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and true shooting percentage (TS%), and how these stats shaped game outcomes. Whether you’re analyzing Anthony Edwards’ explosive drives or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber efficiency, these insights reveal why this matchup became a playoff thriller. With the Thunder ultimately advancing 4-1 in the conference finals, the data underscores OKC’s depth and resilience—while highlighting Minnesota’s flashes of brilliance.
As of November 12, 2025, reflecting on this series offers valuable lessons for the ongoing 2025-26 campaign. Let’s break it down, starting with the season’s head-to-head context.
Table of Contents
ToggleHead-to-Head Overview: A Season of Swings
The Timberwolves and Thunder met nine times in the 2024-25 season, including regular-season games and the playoffs, with OKC holding a commanding 6-3 edge. All-time, Oklahoma City leads 92-48 in regular-season play, but Minnesota’s recent resurgence—fueled by a top-tier defense—made these encounters unpredictable.
Regular-Season Highlights
The regular season featured four pivotal games, showcasing the teams’ contrasting styles: Minnesota’s gritty, paint-protecting defense versus OKC’s blistering transition attack.
- February 13, 2025 (MIN 116-101 OKC): The Wolves dominated at home, limiting the Thunder to 39% shooting. Anthony Edwards erupted for 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting (61.1% FG), adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists. His PER in this game? A scorching 28.4, driven by efficient mid-range pull-ups that exploited OKC’s aggressive closeouts. Julius Randle contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert swatted 4 blocks, anchoring a defense that forced 15 Thunder turnovers.
- February 23, 2025 (OKC 130-123 MIN): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) bounced back with 37 points (14-of-22 FG, 66.7% TS%), 6 assists, and 4 steals. His ability to draw fouls—11-of-12 FT—highlighted his league-leading 8.7 free-throw attempts per game against Minnesota. Jalen Williams added 24 points and 8 boards, as OKC outscored the Wolves 68-52 in the paint.
- February 24, 2025 (MIN 131-128 OKC): A back-to-back thriller where Edwards tallied 32 points (12-of-25 FG, 48% 3P), 9 assists, and just 2 turnovers. His plus/minus of +15 underscored his impact as a floor general. Randle’s 25 points (10-of-16 FG) included clutch threes, but SGA’s 34 points (with 7 assists) kept it close.
- December 31, 2024 (OKC 113-105 MIN): SGA’s 40-point masterpiece (15-of-23 FG, 65.2% TS%) powered a 12-game win streak, including 25 second-half points. Edwards managed 24 points but shot inefficiently (9-of-22 FG), hampered by Luguentz Dort’s perimeter defense. Naz Reid off the bench for Minnesota dropped 19 points and 8 rebounds, a preview of his playoff role.
Across these games, OKC averaged 115.0 points per game (PPG) to Minnesota’s 113.8, with a slight edge in field-goal percentage (47.2% vs. 45.8%). Turnovers were the separator: Thunder committed 12.5 per game vs. Wolves’ 14.8, converting those into 18.2 fast-break points.
Western Conference Finals: Where Stats Met Destiny
The 2025 WCF was a five-game epic, with OKC’s 4-1 victory propelling them to the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Minnesota stole Game 3 but couldn’t sustain momentum, as Thunder stars elevated their games.
Game-by-Game Player Stats Deep Dive
Game 1: Thunder 114-88 (May 20, 2025)
OKC dismantled Minnesota’s defense early, holding them to 34.9% FG and 29.4% from three. SGA scored 31 points (11-of-20 FG, 55% TS%), with 20 in the second half, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists (PER: 24.1). Jalen Williams chipped in 18 points and 7 boards, exploiting mismatches against Jaden McDaniels.
For the Wolves, Edwards led with 18 points (7-of-18 FG) and 7 rebounds, but his 4 turnovers and 25.5% 3P shooting reflected OKC’s paint-packing strategy. Randle had 20 points (all first half, 5-of-6 3P), but cooled to 6-of-11 overall. Gobert grabbed 12 rebounds but managed only 8 points, as Chet Holmgren’s spacing neutralized his rim protection (Holmgren: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK).
Bench disparity was glaring: OKC’s reserves scored 32 points vs. Minnesota’s 26, with Isaiah Hartenstein’s 10 points and 8 rebounds key.
Game 2: Thunder 118-103 (May 22, 2025)
SGA, fresh off his MVP announcement, dropped 38 points (14-of-24 FG, 62.5% TS%), eclipsing 30 points for the fifth straight playoff game. Williams notched a double-double (26 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST), shooting 12-of-20. The Thunder’s 30 assists on 42 made baskets highlighted their ball movement, with just 8 turnovers.
Edwards fired 26 shots for 32 points (11-of-26 FG, 1-of-9 3P), grabbing 8 rebounds but committing 5 turnovers. Randle struggled (6 PTS on 2-of-11 FG), benched in the fourth. Mike Conley added 14 points and 6 assists, but Minnesota’s 41.4% FG couldn’t overcome 14 turnovers yielding 22 OKC points.
Game 3: Timberwolves 143-101 (May 24, 2025)
Minnesota’s blowout response: Edwards torched OKC for 30 points (10-of-14 FG, 71.4% TS%), 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in just 28 minutes—his fourth 3-pointer sealing a 30+ point lead. Shooting 4-of-6 from deep, Edwards’ PER hit 32.7, exploiting Dort’s overzealous closeouts. Randle added 24 points (9-of-14 FG), while Reid’s 18 off the bench included 5 threes.
SGA was held to 14 points (5-of-13 FG), his lowest playoff output, as McDaniels’ length disrupted his drives (SGA: 3 AST, 4 TO). Williams scored 13, Holmgren 10 points and 5 rebounds—OKC waved the white flag early.
Game 4: Thunder 128-126 (May 26, 2025)
A thriller where SGA authored a playoff career-high 40 points (16-of-28 FG, 60.7% TS%), 10 assists, and 9 rebounds—near triple-double (PER: 29.8). Williams (22 PTS, 6 REB) and Holmgren (18 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK) combined for 40, as OKC overcame 14 turnovers.
Edwards labored for 23 points (9-of-15 FG) but had 5 turnovers matching his made field goals (PER: 18.2). Randle’s 20 points came on efficient 8-of-12 shooting, but Minnesota’s 21 turnovers (vs. OKC’s 14 steals) proved fatal.
Game 5: Thunder 124-94 (May 28, 2025)
OKC closed it out dominantly, with SGA’s 28 points (11-of-19 FG) and 7 assists sealing the series. Williams (21 PTS) and Holmgren (16 PTS, 10 REB) dominated the glass (OKC: 52 REB vs. MIN: 38).
Edwards scored 19 points (7-of-17 FG) with 6 rebounds, but a slow start (6 PTS in Q1) mirrored Minnesota’s 26-9 deficit. Randle (12 PTS) and Gobert (10 PTS, 11 REB) couldn’t rally.
Star Performances: Edwards vs. SGA and Beyond
Anthony Edwards: The Wolves’ Electric Engine
Edwards averaged 24.4 PPG, 7.4 REB, and 5.2 AST across the series, shooting 46.2% FG and 35.1% 3P. His true standout? Efficiency in bursts: 67% TS% over Games 3-4, with a series-high 30.2 PER in the win. Against OKC’s Dort, Edwards thrived on drives (12.6 FTA/game), but turnovers (4.2/game) plagued him in losses. Advanced stat: +5.1 net rating when on the floor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP Mastery
SGA’s series line: 33.4 PPG, 6.6 REB, 7.0 AST on 55.8% FG and 61.2% TS%—a playoff-best for efficiency. His 40-point triple-double tease in Game 4 epitomized his growth, drawing 9.4 FTA/game. PER: 27.8. SGA’s steal rate (2.4 SPG) disrupted Minnesota’s half-court sets, contributing to a +12.3 net rating.
Supporting Cast Spotlights
- Julius Randle (MIN): 18.6 PPG, 8.2 REB (50.1% FG), but inconsistent (6 PTS in Game 2). His 5-of-6 3P in Game 1 boosted TS% to 62%, yet OKC targeted his ball-handling (3.8 TO/game).
- Jalen Williams (OKC): 20.0 PPG, 7.4 REB, 4.6 AST (52.3% FG). Double-doubles in three games; his versatility (1.2 STL, 0.8 BLK) made him the X-factor, with a 25.4 PER.
- Chet Holmgren (OKC): 13.8 PPG, 7.6 REB, 2.4 BLK (48.9% FG). Spacing pulled Gobert out, creating lanes—OKC’s +8.2 points/100 possessions with him on floor.
- Rudy Gobert (MIN): 9.4 PPG, 11.2 REB, 1.6 BLK. Defensive anchor (opponent FG% at rim: 52%), but offensive limitations exposed in losses (TS%: 54.2%).
- Naz Reid (MIN Bench): 14.2 PPG, 6.0 REB (47% 3P). Sixth-man spark, with 19 PTS in the Dec. 31 loss; PER: 19.1.
Player |
Team |
PPG |
RPG |
APG |
FG% |
3P% |
TS% |
PER |
Key Advanced Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthony Edwards |
MIN |
24.4 |
7.4 |
5.2 |
46.2 |
35.1 |
58.7 |
22.1 |
+5.1 Net Rating |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
OKC |
33.4 |
6.6 |
7.0 |
55.8 |
28.6 |
61.2 |
27.8 |
2.4 STL/48 min |
Julius Randle |
MIN |
18.6 |
8.2 |
3.4 |
50.1 |
38.5 |
59.4 |
18.9 |
14.2 USG% |
Jalen Williams |
OKC |
20.0 |
7.4 |
4.6 |
52.3 |
33.3 |
57.8 |
25.4 |
+10.2 On/Off |
Chet Holmgren |
OKC |
13.8 |
7.6 |
2.0 |
48.9 |
30.0 |
58.1 |
20.3 |
3.2 BLK/36 min |
Rudy Gobert |
MIN |
9.4 |
11.2 |
1.0 |
58.3 |
0.0 |
54.2 |
17.6 |
Rim FG% Allowed: 52% |
Naz Reid |
MIN |
14.2 |
6.0 |
1.8 |
45.7 |
47.0 |
62.5 |
19.1 |
+4.8 Bench Net |
able: Series Averages for Key Players (2025 WCF)
Advanced Metrics: Efficiency Tells the Tale
Beyond box scores, advanced stats reveal OKC’s edge. Thunder’s offensive rating (ORTG): 118.2 vs. MIN’s 112.4; defensive rating (DRTG): 108.6 vs. 110.1. OKC’s pace (98.4 possessions/game) exploited Minnesota’s half-court woes, generating 1.18 points per possession in transition.
- True Shooting % (TS%): SGA’s 61.2% topped Edwards’ 58.7%, reflecting OKC’s better shot distribution (fewer contested twos).
- Player Efficiency Rating (PER): Thunder starters averaged 23.4 vs. Wolves’ 20.1, with Williams’ 25.4 the series high.
- Usage Rate (USG%): Edwards (32.1%) shouldered the load, but SGA (29.8%) converted at higher efficiency (eFG%: 58.2% vs. 51.4%).
- Plus/Minus Insights: OKC outscored MIN by 12.8 points/100 possessions with SGA-Holmgren lineups; Wolves +6.2 with Edwards-Randle-Gobert.
These metrics highlight OKC’s balance: No. 1 regular-season DRTG (107.5) translated to playoff suffocation.
Tactical Breakdowns: What the Stats Revealed
Defensive Schemes
Minnesota’s “box-and-one” on SGA in Game 3 limited him to 14 points, but OKC adjusted with off-ball screens, boosting his catch-and-shoot 3P% to 40% in Game 4. Wolves’ drop coverage with Gobert forced 28.6% OKC 3P in Game 3, but Thunder’s 52% corner threes in wins exposed rotations.
Offensive X-Factors
OKC’s motion offense generated 1.25 points/possession on cuts—Williams’ 1.12 PPP on post-ups was elite. Minnesota relied on Edwards’ isolations (0.98 PPP), but 21% turnover rate in losses killed momentum.
Injuries played a role: Randle’s March return from groin strain supercharged MIN (17-4 post-return), but fatigue showed in Game 5 (38 MPG average). Holmgren’s health allowed OKC’s small-ball versatility.
Key Insights and Lessons from the Stats
This series wasn’t just about stars—bench production tipped scales. OKC’s reserves outscored MIN’s 28.4-22.6 PPG, with Hartenstein’s double-doubles (11.2 PPG, 9.4 REB) providing frontcourt relief. Turnovers decided close games: MIN’s 18.2/game in losses vs. 12.4 in Game 3 win.
For 2025-26, expect evolution. Edwards’ summer on pull-up jumpers could push his 3P% to 38%; SGA eyes ring-chasing with refined playmaking. These Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder match player stats cement a budding rivalry—two young cores destined for more fireworks.
Conclusion: Stats That Defined a Statement Series
The 2024-25 Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder matchup delivered Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder match player stats worthy of MVP debates and highlight reels. SGA’s efficiency and OKC’s depth prevailed, but Edwards’ growth signals Minnesota’s contention window remains wide open. As we hit mid-November 2025, with both teams atop the West (OKC 14-2, MIN 12-4), anticipation builds for a rematch. Dive into these numbers, and you’ll see not just data, but the blueprint for NBA excellence.
Word count: 2,248.
FAQs on Timberwolves vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats
Q: Who led the series in scoring?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with 33.4 PPG on elite 61.2% TS%.
Q: What was Anthony Edwards’ best game stat line?
A: Game 3: 30 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST (71.4% TS%, 10-of-14 FG).
Q: How did bench players impact the series?
A: OKC’s bench averaged 28.4 PPG, outpacing MIN’s 22.6, thanks to Hartenstein and Caruso.
Q: What’s the all-time head-to-head record?
A: Thunder lead 99-52 overall, including playoffs.
Q: Key advanced stat for the Thunder’s win?
A: +12.8 net rating with SGA on floor, per series tracking.










