The Minnesota Timberwolves are staring at another heartbreak, falling just one round and three wins short of the NBA Finals for the second straight year. Last season, it was the Dallas Mavericks who sent Anthony Edwards and the crew packing; this time, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder who’ve punched their ticket to the Finals after a decisive five-game series win. The Thunder’s dominance was on full display, with Minnesota getting steamrolled in Games 1 and 2, suffering a gut-wrenching loss in Game 4 at home, and then getting obliterated 124-94 in Game 5 back in Oklahoma City. It was a series where the Timberwolves were clearly outclassed, and Edwards’ postgame comments summed it up perfectly.
After the final buzzer on Wednesday night, Edwards, via Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore, described the Thunder as “15 puppets, one string.” It’s a vivid image, one that captures the Thunder’s cohesion and precision. Oklahoma City’s defense, one of the best in the modern era, shut Edwards down, holding him under 20 points in three of the five games. The Minnesota superstar, who’s been the face of the franchise, couldn’t find his rhythm, especially in the crucial Games 4 and 5. Over those two games, he managed just 35 points on 12-of-31 shooting from the field and a brutal 2-of-14 from three-point range. Even at the free-throw line, where he’s usually reliable, Edwards struggled, making only nine of his 13 attempts.
The Thunder didn’t just beat the Timberwolves; they dismantled them. Oklahoma City came at Minnesota in waves, with depth and talent on both ends of the floor. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren were a nightmare to deal with, and the Thunder’s defensive scheme made life miserable for Edwards and company. All season long, OKC has proven why they’re the best team in the NBA, and this series was no different. For the Timberwolves, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially after a season filled with promise. Julius Randle’s promise to rebound, Mike Conley’s hurt expression, and Chris Finch’s honest admission about Edwards’ struggles all paint a picture of a team that’s close but not quite there.
Now, it’s back to the drawing board for Edwards and the Wolves. Another conference finals loss means another summer of soul-searching, another offseason of tweaks and adjustments. The Thunder’s trip to the Finals is a reminder of what’s possible, but for Minnesota, it’s a stark reality check. Edwards, who’s been shouldering the load, needs to find a way to elevate his game in these big moments. The Timberwolves have the pieces, but they’ve got to figure out how to put it all together. For now, though, it’s the Thunder’s time to shine, and Minnesota’s left wondering what could have been. Basketball’s a cruel game sometimes, and for the Timberwolves, this series was a masterclass in just how far they still have to go.
