With their backs against the wall and the Oklahoma City Thunder holding a 2-0 series lead, the Minnesota Timberwolves return to the Target Center for a pivotal Game 3 on Saturday night. After dropping the first two games in Oklahoma City, the Wolves know that a win at home is crucial to reignite their chances in this Western Conference Semifinal showdown.
Head coach Chris Finch remains confident in his squad’s ability to respond, especially in front of their home crowd.
“We’ve been better at home this postseason,” Finch said in a conversation ahead of Game 3. “We’re looking for a big night, we’re happy to be back home. But we’re comfortable also playing on the road and we’ve had a lot of success on the road too.”
That same energy will be needed to slow down a young and surging Thunder team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has controlled the series so far with efficient scoring and timely playmaking.
Still, Finch emphasized the significance of playing on familiar ground — a key ingredient for a team in need of a reset.
“It’s always great to have the home crowd, the home rims, so it’s important that we capitalize,” Finch said.
The Timberwolves will look to Anthony Edwards to guide the Minnesota faithful. The T-Wolves star will need a signature performance to shift the momentum. Defensive stalwart Jaden McDaniels, big man Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle must also step up to contain OKC’s perimeter firepower.
For Minnesota, the mission is clear: protect home court, make this a series again, and show the resilience that’s defined their season.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CST.
