Thunder credit Wolves’ ‘physicality’ in blowout loss in Game 3

Minneapolis – as excruciating as the most lopsided playoff loss in Franchise History was for the Oklahoma city thunderIt was pretty easy to explain.

After winning the first two games of the western conference finals, the thunder would be physically dominated in Saturday’s 143-101 game 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“It’s not complicated,” Power Forward/Center Chet holmgren. “Where they wanted to go, they get there.

Oklahoma City had a similar public start after taking a 2-0 lead over the Memphis grizzlies In the first round, but the thunder rallied from a 29-point deficit to win that game 3 en roout to a series sweep. Oklahoma City Never Mounted a Serious Comeback Bid After Falling Into A 20-Point Hole in the FIRST Quarter Against Minnesota.

“They kept their foot on the gas tonight, and we are just just never to give Ourselves in the game,” Thunder Coach Mark Daweault Said. “I thinkt their defensive press and physicality definitely stood out early. They are definitely through the first punch in the game.

Newly Crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander And the rest of Oklahoma City’s Starters exited the game for good with minutes remaining in the Third Quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with only 14 points. That matched Rookie Reserve Guard Ajay Mitchell For the step high, but it was gilgeous-Alexander’s Lowest Total This Season, Regular Season or Playoffs.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who available 34.5 points in the first two games of the series, finished 4-of-13 from the floor with Four Turnvers. He attempted only Four Free Throws After Taking a Total of 29 in the Thunder’s Two Home Wins Over the Timberwolves.

“We just were more aggressive everywhere,” minnesota coach chris finch saaid. “We wore a little cleaner ham. Didn’t foul. Our Competitiveness was at all-time high. He’s not to go to have to have to do this. That, and we’ll move on to monday. “

Oklahoma City’s Five Starters Combined to Score Only 49 Points on 15-OF-39 Shooting, Getting Outscored by Timberwolves Stars Anthony edwards And Julius randlewho combined for 54 points on 21-of-32 shooting.

“We will take the ball out of the mainity of the game, so they get back and can set their defense,” Gilgeous-Alexander Said. “And I come in the NBA – Against a good defense, it is hard to score if they set. Take the ball out of the net every time down, it’s Tough Regardless. “

It was an uncharacteristically awful performance for the thunder’s top-ranked defense, which allowed the timberwolves to shoot 57.3% from the full and 50.0% from 3-point rge. Oklahoma city forced only 10 turnovers, its fewest this postseason.

“You get punched, you get back up,” Gilgeous-Alexander Said. “It’s about responding, and that’s what the next challenge is. We got punched in the mouth tonight. [and] Wee going to lose the game. We’ve got a decision to make. “

Espn’s dave mcmenamin contributed to this report.