Wolves bite back, cut WC finals deficit

WASHINGTON (AFP) --- Anthony Edwards scored 30 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves overwhelmed Oklahoma City, 143-101, on Saturday to tighten their National Basketball Association (NBA) playoff series.

Edwards added nine rebounds and six assists while shooting 12-of-17 from the floor and 5-of-8 from three-point range as the host T-Wolves pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

“I was super happy about the physicality we brought and the energy we brought,” Edwards said.

“Being down 2-0, it’s all about bringing energy and we brought high energy.”

Julius Randle added 24 points for Minnesota, which set a club record for points in a playoff game in ripping the NBA regular-season win leaders and NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who managed only 14 points.

The Thunder, who won the first two games at home, face Game 4 on Monday at Minneapolis and Game 5 on Wednesday at Oklahoma City.

“You’ve got to erase this one. This one is over,” Edwards said.

“I know everyone is happy about this one but we know OKC is going to come out and bring hella-energy and they are going to be ready to go and going to try to win game four and we’ve got to try and exceed their energy and get a win.

“We’ll be ready.”

The West winner will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.