Key Takeaways:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 40 points despite illness as Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105
- The Thunder extended their winning streak to 10 and became only the fifth team in NBA history to open a season 18-1
- Anthony Edwards contributed 31 points and 8 rebounds, but Minnesota suffered its third consecutive defeat
Match Overview
On Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a remarkable individual performance, scoring 40 points while under the weather to drive the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup Game. Despite being marked as questionable prior to tipoff, Gilgeous-Alexander converted 12 of 19 field goal attempts and was highly effective from the line, sinking 15 of his 17 free throws.
This result secured the Thunder’s 10th successive win and cemented their place as just the fifth franchise in league history with an 18-1 start to a season. Oklahoma City also improved their record to 3-0 in West Group A, giving them a commanding position in their NBA Cup group and boosting their odds of advancing to the knockout stage.
3-0 in Group Play ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ADesKcrClg
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 27, 2025
Player and Team Milestones
Gilgeous-Alexander has now posted at least 20 points in 91 straight appearances, ranking as the third-longest streak on record in NBA history and trailing only two runs by Wilt Chamberlain. If he scores at least 20 points on Friday against Phoenix, he will equal Chamberlain’s second-longest sequence of 92 games.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards registered 31 points along with eight rebounds, keeping his side within touching distance thanks to several challenging baskets. However, the Timberwolves were unable to halt their losing skid, now standing at three games, and struggled at the charity stripe with just 22 successful free throws from 37 attempts.
Game Progression and Key Moments
This encounter served as a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals, in which Oklahoma City prevailed 4-1. The last time the Timberwolves visited Paycom Center, the Thunder clinched the West title with a comprehensive 124-94 Game 5 victory.
Kenrich Williams, sidelined since the season’s start due to a left knee injury, made his season debut in the first quarter. By the end of the opening quarter, Oklahoma City held a 24-17 advantage, representing Minnesota’s second-lowest scoring quarter of the campaign.
Gilgeous-Alexander managed 19 points in the first half to put the Thunder ahead 49-39. Minnesota rallied in the third period, drawing level at 54 and 56 points, but the Thunder restored control to lead 78-71 entering the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves trimmed the deficit to a single point in the final minute after Edwards connected on a contested three-pointer. However, Chet Holmgren responded with a crucial corner three to push Oklahoma City ahead by four with only 38 seconds remaining. The Thunder outscored Minnesota 8-1 in the final 60 seconds to secure the contest.
| Team | Points | Key Performer | Free Throws | Current Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 113 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 points) | 30/38 | W10 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 105 | Anthony Edwards (31 points, 8 rebounds) | 22/37 | L3 |
Looking Ahead
- Minnesota Timberwolves will host Boston on Saturday
- Oklahoma City Thunder will face Phoenix at home on Friday night
