The Target Center was electric, its rafters practically trembling with a chorus of boos and jeers aimed squarely at Oklahoma City’s newly minted MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Timberwolves had just erupted for a franchise-record 143 points in a Game 3 blowout. After dropping the first two games on the road, the Wolves responded decisively. Minnesota’s 42-point margin of victory set a franchise playoff record for points scored in a single game, snapping Oklahoma City’s 2–0 series lead and injecting belief back into the home faithful.
With the series shifting back to Minneapolis, the stakes could not have been higher, and the Wolves seized the moment. But for a moment, all eyes were on head coach Chris Finch. During the postgame media session, Finch paused, a sly grin forming, and delivered his three-word verdict.
Finch Delivers Three-Word Mic Drop Response for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Anthony Edwards torched the Thunder for 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists—all in just three quarters—while Julius Randle poured in 24, four rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. added a spark with 15 points off the bench in just 13 minutes.
The collective effort produced a 143–101 victory, cutting OKC’s series lead to 2–1 and breathing new life into the Wolves’ home-court hopes.
Yet the magic of Game 3 wasn’t confined to offensive fireworks. From the opening tip, Target Center roared every time SGA touched the ball—boo’s met his dribbles and even quiet lulls were punctuated by derisive howls.
By the time he subbed out early in the third quarter with Minnesota cruising, SGA had been held to just 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting, a far cry from his MVP-caliber form.
Post the raucous atmosphere, Finch’s one-liner cut through the noise. “Welcome to Minnesota,” remarked the head coach. The three-word reaction spread across social media by dawn, with fans and pundits alike praising Finch for his composure and cheek.
Finch on the crowd noise going on:
“Welcome to Minnesota” pic.twitter.com/EZA9cyZoAG
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 25, 2025
Minnesota’s adjustments were just as impactful. After struggling to counter Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw trips in Games 1 and 2, the Wolves devised a cleaner defensive approach, contesting shots without fouling and forcing the Thunder into 14 turnovers.
The result was a historic first quarter—34–14 in favor of Minnesota—and a half-time lead of 72–41 that set franchise playoff records.
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The broader significance cannot be overstated. With the Western Conference Finals hanging in the balance, Game 3’s rout shifted momentum firmly back to Minnesota. Now up 1–2 and buoyed by a boisterous crowd, the Wolves will look to capitalize in Game 4 and avoid the perilous hole of trailing 1–3.
