Nickeil Alexander-Walker Gets Honest About Being Proud Of Terrence Shannon Jr.

Game 3 was arguably the best performance of the Timberwolves' 2024-25 season. They were superb with their high energy and proved they could hang with the Thunder.

Even if they had the best record in the league, the Thunder can be beaten. The Timberwolves showed that, and that was due to their bench players stepping up, including Shannon, who was a surprise addition.

Alexander-Walker Is Proud Of Shannon's Play

In Game 3, most people saw Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle serve as the Timberwolves' star players. They were productive when they controlled the game with their scoring and playmaking.

The Timberwolves got off to a strong start, which was powered by Edwards' performance. However, the bench kept it going by playing with intense energy. 

Shannon was a breath of fresh air for Minnesota because he played with boundless energy. They needed someone who would push the pace and set the tone defensively. He did that well, scoring 15 points for the game and cementing himself as a member of coach Chris Finch's rotation.

This was an awesome moment for the bench and its players, like Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He was stoked to see Shannon performing so much better. 

"It was amazing. I see every day how hard he works and how much he wants to work. For him to get that opportunity to put that out and show the world, and just compete. I was happy for him," Alexander-Walker said ahead of Game 4.

The Bench Will Remain Important In Game 4

For a long time, Finch stuck with a three-man bench with Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo, and Naz Reid. It looks like they will be a four-man group now with Shannon proving himself on the big stage.

With Game 4 being played at the Target Center again, the Timberwolves want to tie the series at 2-2. It will be challenging because the Thunder will be motivated to redeem themselves. 

OKC head coach Mark Daigneault is prepared to lead his team to take a 3-1 lead. It will be a superb chess match between him and Finch as they look to lead their teams further in the Western Conference Finals.