Timberwolves’ Game 5 Collapse: How It Could Dimshine a Remarkable Season

OKLAHOMA CITY – Can one game spoil a whole season?

The Minnesota Timberwolves started the 2024-25 season filled with hope. They faced a big trade before training camp, battled injuries, and dealt with skepticism from fans and experts alike. Yet, they made it to the brink of the NBA Finals for the second year in a row.

Their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder saw intense moments. They celebrated a thrilling 42-point win in Game 3 but suffered a narrow 2-point loss in Game 4 that showcased their potential. Unfortunately, everything unraveled in Game 5.

The Timberwolves entered a must-win game but faltered. By the time the first quarter ended, they were down by 17, scoring only 9 points while missing 17 of 20 shots and committing four turnovers. By halftime, they trailed 65-32, a stark contrast to their earlier games.

“It hurts,” said forward Julius Randle. “It’s like a grieving stage of the season. But we’ll come back stronger.”

This loss resonates deeply in Minnesota sports history. It brings to mind the infamous “41-donut,” referring to the Vikings’ 41-0 defeat in the 2001 NFC Championship Game. Though the Thunder were formidable, with a record-setting 68 wins this season, anything less than a stellar performance feels dismal.

Randle was one of the standout players in earlier playoff rounds. He averaged nearly 24 points per game against tough teams like the Lakers and Warriors. Yet, during the critical moments against the Thunder, he struggled. In pivotal early minutes, he scored just 3 points and made three turnovers.

“Super disappointing,” Randle said, expressing collective frustration about their performance.

Naz Reid, who also has a player option for the next season, faced challenges in his game. He started with turnovers early and finished with only 11 points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the team’s bargain player at $4.3 million this season, contributed significantly earlier but stumbled in Game 5, going 0 for 8.

Rudy Gobert’s struggles in the series were evident. He scored just 2 points in 19 minutes, leading to coaching decisions that limited his play. Head coach Chris Finch acknowledged the need for better strategies to maximize the team’s performance.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Finch’s leadership has revitalized the Timberwolves. He ranks as their most successful coach, fostering a resilience that had been absent for years. Yet, when the team crashes in crucial moments, the coach shares some blame.

Finch reflected on the loss, stating, “We were beaten by the better team. It’s a learning experience, and we’ll regroup.”

Star player Anthony Edwards faced heavy defenses, which affected his scoring. He managed 19 points but struggled with shot accuracy. Finch noted the importance of creating easier scoring opportunities for Edwards in the future.

After the defeat, Edwards displayed a measured outlook. “I’m young. I get to do this many more times,” he said, emphasizing that they will regroup for the next season.

So, can one game ruin an entire season? Probably not.

In the aftermath, the Timberwolves recognized their progress. It hasn’t been easy, yet they pushed through, making the playoffs for four consecutive seasons—a stark contrast to their 16 misses in 17 years before Finch took over.

“This season was challenging,” Finch stated. “The team stayed together and played their best when it mattered most.”

This loss stings, as it should. The Timberwolves, their players and their fans feel the weight of this moment. Yet, it can also serve as motivation moving forward.

Tim Connelly, the basketball operations president, encapsulated the sentiment best. “It’s disappointing for all of us,” he said. “But we’ve accomplished a lot this season. We’ll learn from this and build on it.”

To make the most of their journey, the Wolves must channel this loss into future success. In the world of sports, every setback can be a stepping stone if the lessons are learned and applied.

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Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA, Opinion