Anthony Edwards bounces back with hot shooting en route to historic first half for Timberwolves vs. Thunder

Saturday's game was as close to do-or-die as it gets for the Timberwolves. And their star, Anthony Edwards, responded.

After struggling in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, then going cold from 3-point range in Game 2 — both losses for Minnesota — Edwards caught fire early in a Game 3 at home. 

With the Timberwolves' defense also showing more physicality, Edwards went on a scoring tear that put his squad in a strong position to win its first game of the conference finals.

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Here's a look at Edwards' stats against the Thunder on Saturday.

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Anthony Edwards stats today

• Points: 20
• Rebounds: 8
• Assists: 3
• Steals: 1
• Blocks: 0
• Turnovers: 2
• Fouls: 0
• FG: 8-11
• 3P: 3-5
• FT: 1-2

Edwards put up 16 points in the first quarter alone, as Minnesota jumped out to a 20-point lead after just 12 minutes. Even given the fact that the Timberwolves were staring down a 3-0 series deficit, it was a surprising start; a Thunder squad that had found plenty of success in the turnover and 3-point shooting departments early in the series couldn't find any momentum.

In fact, Edwards' 16 first-quarter points outpaced the entire Oklahoma City team, which totaled 14.

Part of the reason Edwards was able to recapture his rhythm was his deep shooting. After being one of the best 3-point shotmakers in the league in the regular season, the guard began the Western Conference Finals just 4-for-17 from deep through two games. To begin Game 3, he was 3-for-5.

Edwards paved the way for Minnesota to take a 72-41 lead into halftime. It was both the largest halftime deficit of the 2024-25 season for OKC, and the Timberwolves' largest halftime lead of a playoff game in franchise history.

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Anthony Edwards Game 3 highlights vs. Thunder

Edwards got right to work against Oklahoma City in Game 3. He got the Minnesota crowd juiced up with a sequence including a 3-pointer, then fastbreak dunk after poking the ball free.

Edwards did it again not long after, hitting another shot from deep then breaking free for another dunk.

After 12 minutes of action, Edwards was on pace for over 60 points thanks to his third 3-pointer.