Other key contributors for the Timberwolves included Randle, who responded the right way after getting benched the last time out, Jaden McDaniels, who locked up defensively like he always does, and Terrence Shannon Jr., a pleasant surprise who provided a spark off the bench.

Down two games, the Timberwolves responded in a big way with a crucial Game 3 win over the Thunder. Here's what stood out.

What Minnesota did to Oklahoma City in Game 3 Saturday night is what needed to happen for this series to even begin to feel different.

With their backs against the wall entering Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves raced out to a 20-point lead after one quarter and never looked back, routing the Oklahoma City Thunder,

Such is life in the NBA playoffs, as the Timberwolves hammered the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday night in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 coming up Monday night.

The case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simple. He’s the best player on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that had the best record this season and set a league mark for margin of victory.