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Down 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves needed a spark in Game 3 to get back in the series vs. the Thunder.
With Minnesota playing its first home game of the series, head coach Chris Finch turned to Terrence Shannon early off the bench. The Timberwolves got out to a big lead in the first quarter, led by Anthony Edwards, but Shannon's contributions were a notable addition to the teams offense as Minnesota won 143-101.
Entering this game, Shannon had played just two minutes this series and 20 minutes total during the playoffs. In Game 3, however, Shannon totaled 13 minutes, his most in an individual game during the postseason, and made the most of his playing time.
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After the game, Edwards praised Shannon for his energy in limited action.
"T.J. came in and brought ultimate energy," Edwards said. "We can't ask for nothing more. He came in and made all the right plays, attacked the basket with aggression. He came up big for us tonight."
Additionally, head coach Chris Finch explained his decision to play Shannon, as he was looking for another player to add to the rotation ahead of the game.
MORE: Anthony Edwards bounces back en route to blowout Game 3 win
"(He's a) guy who can stretch the floor in transition, a downhill player, got a good body," Finch said. "Just a different kind of player than we have at other positions."
Coach Finch on his decision to play Terrence Shannon Jr tonight pic.twitter.com/HA0b9BFsbq
— SneakerReporter (@SneakerReporter) May 25, 2025Here's a look at Shannon's contributions in Game 3.
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Terrence Shannon stats
Shannon produced several playoff career highs during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, as the guard provided necessary offense as for Minnesota.
- Minutes: 13
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 2
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 1
- FGM-FGA: 5-8
- 3PM-3PA: 1-3
- FTM-FTA: 4-4
Besides playing a playoff career high in minutes, Shannon produced a playoff career-high 15 points, as he previously had scored six points in the entire 2025 postseason combined, producing two points in three different games.
The rookie played 32 games this year, averaging 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in just over 10 minutes per game. Minnesota drafted the Illinois guard with the 27th pick of the 2024 draft.
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Terrence Shannon highlights
Shannon's production off the bench helped spark Minnesota to a 40-point victory in Game 3 against the Thunder. Here's a look at some of Shannon's highlights on the night.
Terrence Shannon Jr. is a rookie who's ready when his number gets called 📲 pic.twitter.com/qaGwoY5VWX
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) May 25, 2025Early nine points for Terrence Shannon Jr. off the bench 👀 #Illini
pic.twitter.com/42wAbxkNgL
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