The Oklahoma City Thunder staged a late-game surge to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-123 on Saturday night at Target Center, overcoming an early deficit and a strong defensive performance from rookie Jaylen Clark before his injury.

Timberwolves Start Fast, Thunder Respond

Minnesota, playing without Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo, opened the game with intensity, jumping to an 11-5 lead. Clark’s defensive pressure on Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander disrupted the Thunder’s early offensive rhythm, leading to fast-break opportunities for the Timberwolves.

However, Oklahoma City took control following a timeout, outscoring Minnesota 45-20 over a 12-minute span. The Thunder capitalised on their perimeter shooting and inside presence while the Timberwolves struggled to convert their chances.

Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards, responded with a 30-9 run to reclaim the lead before halftime. Edwards, who finished with 29 points on 8-of-21 shooting, hit a step-back three over Chet Holmgren to give the Timberwolves a 63-61 advantage at the break.

Clark’s Injury Shifts Momentum

The Timberwolves maintained their aggression early in the second half, extending their lead to seven points midway through the third quarter. However, Clark exited the game after hitting his head on the floor following a layup attempt. The team later announced he suffered neck pain and did not return.

With Clark sidelined, the Thunder quickly went on an 8-0 run to retake the lead. Gilgeous-Alexander capitalised on Minnesota’s lack of a defensive counter, scoring at will down the stretch.

The Thunder closed the game with five three-pointers in a six-possession span, turning a five-point deficit into an 11-point lead with four minutes remaining.

Clark’s Defensive Impact Recognised

Despite his limited minutes, Clark’s defensive effort stood out. The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder by 20 points in the 18 minutes he played but were outscored by 27 points in the 30 minutes he was off the floor.

“He was playing great. We missed his tenacity out there,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said postgame. “But I thought Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] was really good too. Certainly, Jaylen was huge.”

Clark, a second-round pick out of UCLA, has emerged as a key defensive contributor for Minnesota. Finch credited his ability to avoid screens and dictate contact on and off the ball as reasons for his early success.

After the game, Clark was in good spirits and confirmed he would travel with the team for their upcoming road trip. His availability for the next game remains uncertain.

Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Victory

Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting, adding eight rebounds and eight assists.

His fourth-quarter dominance secured the win for the Thunder, who continue their strong push in the Western Conference standings.

For Minnesota, Alexander-Walker provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, including four three-pointers, while Naz Reid added 16 points.

Quick Turnaround for the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves will face the Thunder again on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, completing a back-to-back set. The matchup marks their third meeting in four games.

Reid acknowledged the challenge but remained confident. “I know I’m built for it. A lot of guys in here are built for it,” he said. “We’re gonna go out there and compete. That’s just what we do.”