NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves' Late Game Meltdown Fuels OKC's Game 5 Advantage

David

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Post on May 29, 2025

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NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves' Late Game Meltdown Fuels OKC's Game 5 Advantage

The Oklahoma City Thunder seized a commanding 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves after a dramatic Game 5 victory, fueled by a stunning late-game collapse from their Northern rivals. The Timberwolves, who had battled back from a double-digit deficit earlier in the game, choked away a winnable contest in the final minutes, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. This stunning turn of events has sent shockwaves through the NBA, highlighting the pressure-cooker environment of the playoffs and the crucial role of mental fortitude in high-stakes basketball.

A Crushing Collapse in the Clutch

Minnesota held a narrow lead heading into the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves' leading scorer, had displayed moments of brilliance throughout the game, but crucial missed free throws and turnovers in the final stretch allowed the Thunder to capitalize. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star point guard, orchestrated a masterful comeback, scoring or assisting on the final eight points for Oklahoma City. His performance was a stark contrast to the Timberwolves' late-game struggles, highlighting the difference between composure under pressure and a catastrophic meltdown.

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What Went Wrong for the Timberwolves?

The Timberwolves' collapse wasn't solely attributable to poor shot selection. A combination of factors contributed to their downfall:

• Missed Free Throws: Critical missed free throws in the final minute proved costly, handing momentum back to the Thunder. This is an area the Timberwolves must address before Game 6.
• Turnovers: Unforced errors, especially under pressure, allowed Oklahoma City to transition into easy scoring opportunities. The Timberwolves' inability to protect the ball in crunch time proved devastating.
• Defensive Lapses: While the Timberwolves' defense performed admirably for much of the game, crucial defensive breakdowns in the final minutes allowed Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates to exploit gaps and drive to the basket.

Gilgeous-Alexander's Masterclass Fuels Thunder's Momentum

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was nothing short of exceptional. His performance wasn't just about scoring; it was about his leadership and ability to make critical plays under immense pressure. He consistently attacked the basket, drew fouls, and provided crucial assists when necessary. His performance serves as a masterclass in playoff basketball and sets the stage for a potential series-clinching performance in Game 6.

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Looking Ahead to Game 6:

The Timberwolves now face a must-win situation in Game 6. They need to address their late-game issues, improve their free-throw shooting, and minimize turnovers. Their playoff hopes hang in the balance, and the pressure is immense. Can they recover from this devastating collapse and force a Game 7? Or will the Thunder capitalize on their advantage and advance to the next round? The NBA world waits with bated breath. The series has been nothing short of exhilarating, and Game 6 promises to be another nail-biter.

Keywords: NBA Playoffs, Timberwolves, Thunder, Game 5, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, playoff collapse, late-game meltdown, NBA, basketball, sports news, series preview, Game 6

Related Articles: (Link to other relevant articles on your website, for example: "Anthony Edwards' Season: A Statistical Breakdown," "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Rise to Stardom")