Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder 113-105 Past Timberwolves/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame illness to drop 40 points as the Thunder defeated the Timberwolves. The reigning MVP led Oklahoma City to its 10th consecutive win, improving to 18-1 in the season. With the NBA Cup in sight, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to show why he’s still at MVP level.
Thunder vs. Timberwolves Quick Looks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite battling illness.
- Thunder defeated Timberwolves 113–105 in NBA Cup group play.
- Oklahoma City improved to 18–1 and extended win streak to 10 games.
- SGA shot 12-of-19 from the field, 15-of-17 from the free throw line.
- Anthony Edwards scored 31 for Minnesota, 14 in final 7 minutes.
- Thunder are now 4–0 in West Group A of the NBA Cup.
- OKC closes group play Friday at home against the Phoenix Suns.
- Coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s second-quarter lift.
- Thunder beat Wolves 4–1 in 2025 Western Conference Finals.
- SGA emphasizes team growth through tough matchups like Minnesota.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder 113-105 Past Timberwolves
Deep Look
OKLAHOMA CITY — Even battling an illness that nearly kept him out of the lineup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again looked every bit like the reigning NBA MVP on Wednesday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder star poured in 40 points, leading his team to a 113–105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA Cup group play.
Listed as questionable before tipoff due to an unspecified illness, Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately suited up after a game-time decision. Despite showing visible signs of fatigue, he turned in one of the season’s most dominant individual performances — a reminder of his relentless work ethic and value to the surging Thunder.
Wearing a gray quarter-zip and Burberry scarf during the postgame press conference, the usually energetic Gilgeous-Alexander was more subdued.
“I felt good enough to play,” he said. “I was a little more tired than usual, but I did enough to get the job done tonight.”
And get the job done he did.
After a quiet first quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander erupted in the second, scoring 13 points in just seven minutes to help Oklahoma City recover from a sluggish offensive stretch. His efficient scoring — 12-of-19 from the field and 15-of-17 from the line — steadied the Thunder throughout the night.
“I thought he read the game really well tonight,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “That second quarter, when our offense was stalling, he carried us. That stretch allowed us to build a cushion we really needed.”
The Thunder are now 18–1 on the season and winners of 10 straight, continuing a dominant run that positions them as early championship contenders and NBA Cup favorites. Their undefeated 4–0 record in West Group A places them atop the group heading into Friday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
SGA Shows Leadership When It Counts
Though Gilgeous-Alexander slowed down in the fourth quarter — making only one field goal — he remained clutch, converting 9-of-10 free throws down the stretch to fend off a furious rally by Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who scored 14 of his 31 points in the game’s final seven minutes.
“He’s always composed, even when he’s not 100 percent,” said teammate Josh Giddey. “That’s what leaders do — they show up.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s mindset was clear: He wasn’t about to sit out a high-stakes tournament game, even if his body wasn’t fully cooperative. With the NBA Cup offering players a financial incentive, SGA acknowledged the added motivation.
“These games mean a little more,” he said. “You can literally earn money by winning these seven games, so there’s a little incentive behind it. It’s not just another regular season game.”
The Thunder’s focus and unity have been key to their dominance this season, and Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the engine behind it all.
A Rivalry Renewed with Minnesota
Wednesday’s game was also a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, where the Thunder defeated Minnesota 4–1 to secure a Finals berth. The Timberwolves came into the matchup hungry, pushing OKC until the final minutes. But once again, Oklahoma City proved too resilient — and Gilgeous-Alexander, too composed.
“These games challenge us,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They show us where we are as a team. Playing against elite opponents helps us grow.”
That growth is evident. The Thunder have become one of the NBA’s most balanced and dangerous teams. And with their MVP still delivering at an elite level — even when sick — the ceiling continues to rise.
Next Up: NBA Cup Stakes Get Real
The Thunder wrap up NBA Cup group play on Friday against the Suns, a matchup that could determine seeding for the knockout rounds. With a potential $500,000 bonus per player on the line in the tournament’s final stages, Oklahoma City is taking every game seriously.
“I want to be out there with my guys,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “This team is special, and I’m going to do everything I can to be part of it — sick or not.”
As the NBA Cup intensifies and the regular season continues, one thing is clear: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP form hasn’t faded — and neither has Oklahoma City’s firepower.
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