Minnesota Timberwolves Continue Domination Of NBA MVP’s

The Minnesota Timberwolves demolished the Oklahoma City Thunder, 143-101, last night in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. While surprising, it was not Minnesota’s first time blowing out that season’s NBA MVP.

Only three times in NBA history has that season’s MVP lost by 42+ points (reg or post). All 3 came at the hands of Minnesota teams in the playoffs. Those examples are Bob Pettit losing by 58 to the Minneapolis Lakers(1956), Nikola Jokić losing by 45 to the Timberwolves(2024), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last night by 42. Will the Minnesota Timberwolves have a similar amount of success in Game 4?

Minnesota Timberwolves  Hold Down SGA

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The Oklahoma City Thunder go as Gilgeous-Alexander goes. That was on display in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. SGA had been playing well during the NBA Playoffs, but last night he was not at the top of his game. It was his worst game of the season. He has his season-low in points(13), field goals(4), and +/-(-32). OKC’s on-court performance suffered. 

To his credit, Gilgeous-Alexander did not mince words following last night’s drubbing. “We just didn’t bring it from energy and focus standpoint. To sum it up, we just didn’t have it.” SGA’s comments should give fans confidence their star player will play far better in a crucial Game 4 tilt.

Final Thoughts

Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals will be tomorrow night in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will be an important game for both sides. The Minnesota Timberwolves will be seeking to tie the series at 2 while OKC eyes a commanding 3-1 series lead.