The Minnesota Timberwolves despatched a loud and clear message that they received’t take the beatings mendacity down, inflicting considered one of their very own in Sport 3, as Tim Legler noticed a transparent distinction in strategy that set the tone.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, flying excessive after securing their dwelling court docket with two wins with a mixed margin of 41 factors, acquired a brutal actuality test.
The Minnesota Timberwolves inflicted a 42-point beatdown on them, profitable 143-101 in arguably probably the most stunning end result within the Western Convention playoffs to this point.
Julius Randle continued his domination whereas Anthony Edwards joined the celebration, however ESPN skilled Tim Legler seen the Wolves doing one thing completely different from the very starting of Sport 3 that they didn’t in Sport 1 or 2.
The Timberwolves misplaced the primary two video games closely and but, someway, the scoreline didn’t say how straightforward it was for the Thunder to steamroll them.
Due to this fact, it’s all the extra stunning that the Wolves, even armed with the homecourt benefit, inflicted this loss on the championship favorites.
Legler mentioned that it occurred as a result of the Wolves introduced the swagger, need, and power from the very first whistle in Sport 3.
He credited one participant for his function in setting the tone and making certain the entire staff was in a relaxed way of thinking after a scorching begin.
He mentioned: “I simply thought that there’s an applicable degree of power it’s a must to have in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis. I didn’t see that in Video games 1 and a couple of. That meant there was no swagger there.
“The swagger was there from the start in Sport 3. Their finest participant got here out and received them began in that sport, Anthony Edwards [16 points in the first quarter]. That set the tone for your complete staff.”
Whereas Legler has deciphered the power degree distinction completely, the sport state has as a lot to do with it because the Thunder’s weak point or the Wolves’ power.
The Thunder naturally took their foot off the pedal for this sport after securing a 2-0 lead, whereas the Wolves have been combating for his or her lives and defending their dwelling court docket.
It was at all times going to result in a drop-off in effort ranges for the Thunder and vice versa for the Wolves.
Now that they’ve hung such an embarrassing loss on the Thunder, they’ll should be prepared for the inevitable response.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s staff has at all times reacted effectively to setbacks this season and they’re going to certainly come out firing in Sport 4, itching to get one again.
If the Wolves maintain off that barrage, then it will likely be anyone’s sport within the remaining three regardless of the Thunder holding dwelling benefit.
