Thunder vs Timberwolves Live: Score Updates, Highlights & How to Watch Tonight’s Western Showdown

Series shifts to Minneapolis for a pivotal Game 4 The Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves resumes tonight (Monday, May 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Target Center. Oklahoma City enters with a 2-1 edge after surrendering its first loss of the postseason in Saturday’s 143-101 rout, a statement win that reignited Minnesota’s title hopes. Timberwolves roar back behind Anthony Edwards • 30 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast in three quarters for Edwards • 24 pts from Julius Randle and 15 bench points from rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. • Wolves shot 55% overall and 45% from deep, flipping the script on OKC’s top-ranked defense Head coach Chris Finch credited Edwards’ downhill aggression for “taking us to another level.” The challenge now is duplicating that energy two nights later against a Thunder club known for quick adjustments. Thunder looking to regain defensive identity Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently crowned league MVP, finished Game 3 with just 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and four turnovers. Mark Daigneault’s group must re-establish its point-of-attack pressure and protect the ball (18 turnovers Saturday) to avoid heading home tied 2-2. Expect Lu Dort to open on Edwards, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren look to spark early offense. Key matchups to watch 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jaden McDaniels: Can SGA shake a lengthy defender and get to his mid-range spots? 2. Anthony Edwards vs. Lu Dort: Physicality versus explosiveness in a clash that often dictates tempo. 3. Glass battle: Rudy Gobert’s rim protection against Chet Holmgren’s stretch-five skill set; the Wolves were +12 on boards in Game 3. How to watch & stream • TV: ESPN (Simulcast “Insight Cast” on ESPN2) • Streaming: ESPN app & ESPN+ authentication • Local radio: WWLS-FM (OKC), WCCO-AM (MIN) Tickets remain available via NBA.com and Ticketmaster. Projected starting lineups Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert Betting nugget Early lines list OKC as slight 1.5-point road favorites; over/under opened at 217.5. Minnesota is 6-2 ATS at home this postseason, while the Thunder are 4-1 straight up on the road. What’s at stake A Thunder victory would create a commanding 3-1 lead before the series returns to Paycom Center. A Timberwolves win knots the series and guarantees at least a Game 6 back in Minneapolis, setting up a best-of-three sprint to the Finals. Bottom line After a blowout that jolted the series, momentum now tilts on which version of the Thunder defense shows up. If Gilgeous-Alexander finds his rhythm and OKC forces turnovers, the top seed can retake control. But if Edwards continues his two-way eruption and the Wolves dominate the paint, Minnesota could turn the West Finals into a true heavyweight marathon.