Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Clear Anthony Edwards Message After Game 3 Blowout

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 25, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves had to win Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. The Wolves entered the contest down 0-2 in the series, and losing simply wasn't an option for them.

Minnesota not only won Game 3, but they did so in emphatic fashion by destroying OKC, 143-101, to mark their first victory in the series.

Anthony Edwards knew what was at stake for his team in this one, and he made sure that the Timberwolves weren't going to go down 0-3. The three-time All-Star went off for a game-high 30 points on 12-of-17 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and five triples in just 30 minutes of play.

The same was far from the case for Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an off night in Game 3. The newly crowned NBA MVP scored just 14 points on 4-of-13 from the field, to go along with two rebounds, six assists and four turnovers.

It was clear who won the battle between the two superstars on Saturday night.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked to share his reaction to Edwards' performance. The Thunder guard made his opinion of Edwards crystal clear.

"Yeah, he got some early ones, like turnovers, fast breaks," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "He got some early ones, easy. And with good players, you can't let them get comfortable early. It looks like that.

"So, yeah, we've got to be ready for the jump. That goes back to the sense of urgency and the focus on the game plan and what he's trying to do out there and what they're trying to do offensively."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Anthony Edwards’ big night in Game 3.

“Yeah, he got some early ones. Like turnovers. Fast breaks. He got some early ones easy and with good players you can’t let them get comfortable early.” pic.twitter.com/xBRxJG3wJL
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) May 25, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the fact that the Thunder failed to execute their game plan against Edwards in Game 3, especially in the early stages of the contest.

At the same time, however, Gilgeous-Alexander has implied that OKC will be ready for Edwards come Game 4, which will be on Monday at Target Center.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: