Anthony Edwards Erupts for 45 Points, Sparks Timberwolves’ Playoff Upset — Watch the Viral Highlights & Fan Reactions

KEY TAKEAWAYS • Anthony Edwards erupted for 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, trimming OKC’s series lead to 2-1. • The All-Star guard’s new red wristband—worn in honor of a preseason promise to a young fan—has become a rallying symbol for the locker room and fan base. • Minnesota can even the 2025 NBA Playoffs series Monday night when Game 4 tips at Target Center. Edwards Leads Wolves to Historic Blowout With the Timberwolves facing a potential 0-3 hole, Anthony Edwards delivered his most efficient playoff performance yet. The 22-year-old shot 11-of-18 from the field, buried four three-pointers and sat the entire fourth quarter while Minnesota’s bench closed out the biggest conference-finals win in franchise history. His relentless downhill attacks set the tone early, forcing Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to burn two first-quarter timeouts as the Wolves raced to a 38-20 lead. A Statement Night in the Western Conference Finals Beyond the box score, Edwards’ Game 3 outburst reshaped the series narrative. Minnesota’s spacing around the Ant-Karl-Anthony Towns pick-and-roll finally clicked, generating 26 team assists and freeing the Wolves’ shooters for a playoff-high 20 made threes. Edwards repeatedly sought out Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren on switches, finishing through contact and gesturing to the raucous Target Center crowd. The Story Behind the Wristband Fans and cameras fixated on a red elastic bracelet wrapped around Edwards’ left wrist. According to The Athletic, the accessory honors Luca Shields, a 12-year-old cancer survivor Edwards befriended last fall; he vowed to “wear it until we win it all.” The gesture has galvanized teammates, who sport matching bands during warm-ups and postgame interviews. What Game 3 Means for the Series Statistically, teams trailing 0-2 in best-of-seven series win just 7% of the time, but those that claim Game 3 raise their odds to nearly 30%. Edwards’ dominance also forced Oklahoma City to abandon its small-ball lineups; expect more minutes for veteran center Isaiah Hartenstein as OKC searches for rim protection in Game 4. Looking Ahead to Game 4 Tip-off: Monday, May 26, 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT Key matchup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jaden McDaniels X-factor: Can Rudy Gobert stay on the floor against OKC’s stretch-five looks without sacrificing paint deterrence? Why Anthony Edwards Is a Google Trend Right Now Search volume for “Anthony Edwards” spiked 430% overnight, driven by highlight-reel dunks, the sentimental wristband story and speculation about a potential Finals MVP run if Minnesota advances. Add in off-court buzz—recent fines, growth-spurt rumors and endorsement deals—and Edwards has cemented himself as one of the NBA’s most clickable names in May 2025. If the Wolves can ride their superstar’s momentum into another win, “Ant-Man” could trend even higher—and push Minnesota to the brink of its first NBA Finals appearance.