Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 stands out as one of those unforgettable NBA nights where the three-point line became the Timberwolves’ personal playground. On January 29, 2026, at the Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves lit up the Oklahoma City Thunder with a staggering 22 made three-pointers, powering them to a convincing 123-111 victory. This performance wasn’ft just a win—it was a statement, matching a season-high for Minnesota and showcasing how hot shooting can flip a game against a top Western Conference contender like the Thunder.
Have you ever watched a team get so hot from deep that it feels like the rim is as wide as an ocean? That’s exactly what happened here. The Timberwolves drained triples at will, turning what could have been a tight battle into a comfortable cruise. Let’s dive deep into Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026, breaking down the key moments, standout players, and why this game mattered in the bigger picture of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Game Overview: How the Timberwolves Pulled Off the Upset
The Thunder entered this matchup as one of the league’s elite teams, boasting a strong record and led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They were favored, but the Timberwolves had home-court energy and a chip on their shoulder from previous meetings. From the opening tip, Minnesota set the tone.
The first quarter saw the Timberwolves jump out to a 34-22 lead, already knocking down several threes to build momentum. By halftime, the lead was solid, and the second half turned into a showcase of outside shooting prowess. The final score of 123-111 reflected Minnesota’s dominance, especially from beyond the arc.
What made Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 so impressive? The team shot an incredible 46.8% from three-point range on 47 attempts. That’s not just good—it’s elite. They capitalized on turnovers (the Thunder gave up points off mistakes) and moved the ball crisply to find open looks. The defense held OKC in check enough to prevent a comeback, even as SGA tried to rally his squad.
Breaking Down the Three-Point Explosion in Timberwolves 22 Threes vs Thunder January 29 2026
Let’s get specific about those 22 threes because that’s the headline here. The Timberwolves didn’t rely on one hero; it was a team effort that spread the wealth.
Anthony Edwards led the way with 26 points, including 4 threes, while adding rebounds and assists to his stat line. But the real sniper show came from Jaden McDaniels, who went a perfect 5-for-5 from deep on his way to 21 points. Talk about efficiency—McDaniels was locked in, hitting contested shots and corner threes like it was practice.
Off the bench, Naz Reid provided a spark with 18 points and 4 threes, stretching the floor and punishing any Thunder bigs who sagged off. Donte DiVincenzo and others chipped in as well, creating a barrage that OKC simply couldn’t stop. The Thunder defense, usually stingy, cracked under the pressure of constant movement and quick passes.
Imagine the Thunder coaches calling timeouts, adjusting schemes, only to watch another rainbow three splash through the net. That’s the frustration OKC felt during Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026. Minnesota’s 22 made threes tied for the second-most allowed by the Thunder all season, highlighting how uncharacteristic this defensive lapse was.
Key Player Performances That Defined the Night
Anthony Edwards: The Alpha Keeps Delivering
Edwards continues to cement his status as one of the league’s top young stars. His 26 points weren’t just volume scoring—they came with playmaking and defensive hustle. In a game defined by threes, his 4 made triples kept the offense flowing. Edwards thrives in big moments, and Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 gave him another platform to shine against a tough opponent.
Jaden McDaniels: Perfect from Deep
McDaniels’ perfect 5-for-5 night from three was the stuff of highlights reels. He’s known more for defense, but when his shot is falling like this, he becomes a matchup nightmare. His contribution was crucial in building the lead early and maintaining it late.
Naz Reid: Sixth Man Magic
Reid’s bench scoring has been a Timberwolves staple, and his 4 threes here added another layer. Coming off the pine, he provided instant offense and spacing, allowing starters like Edwards to operate freely.
On the Thunder side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in points (around 28 in reports), but the supporting cast struggled to match Minnesota’s firepower. Chet Holmgren and others fought, but the three-point deficit proved too much to overcome.
Tactical Insights: Why the Threes Kept Falling for Minnesota
The Timberwolves’ success in Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 wasn’t random luck—it stemmed from smart basketball.
First, ball movement created open looks. Minnesota shared the rock, finding cutters and shooters in rhythm. Second, they exploited mismatches, pulling bigs out of the paint and punishing switches. Third, their pace forced OKC into transition defense, where threes are easier to come by.
The Thunder, dealing with some injury context (Isaiah Hartenstein returning but perhaps not fully sharp), couldn’t rotate fast enough. Minnesota’s home crowd at Target Center added energy, turning the arena into a cauldron that fueled the hot shooting.
This game reminds us how the modern NBA rewards spacing and shooting. When a team gets hot like this, it’s tough to stop without elite perimeter defense—and even then, sometimes the ball just finds the bottom of the net.
Broader Implications for Both Teams After Timberwolves 22 Threes vs Thunder January 29 2026
For the Timberwolves, this win boosted their record to 30-19, solidifying their spot in the Western Conference playoff picture. Beating a top team like OKC at home builds confidence heading into the stretch run. It also highlighted their offensive versatility beyond just Rudy Gobert’s interior presence.
The Thunder dropped to 38-11 but remained atop the West. Losses happen, especially on the road, but this one stung because of the defensive breakdowns. They’ll use it as film study, focusing on closing out shooters and limiting turnovers.
In the rivalry context—this was a rematch from prior clashes, including playoff vibes—Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 added fuel to what could be another postseason showdown.
Conclusion: A Memorable Shooting Showcase
Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 will be remembered as a masterclass in long-range shooting. Minnesota’s 22 made threes powered a 123-111 win, with Edwards, McDaniels, and Reid leading the charge in a balanced attack. It showcased the beauty of team basketball when everything clicks from deep. For fans, it was thrilling; for analysts, a reminder that in today’s NBA, hot shooting can topple even the best defenses. If you’re a Timberwolves supporter, savor this one—nights like these don’t come around every game. Keep an eye on Minnesota; when their threes are falling, they’re a force.
FAQ :
What was the final score in Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026?
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-111 on January 29, 2026, thanks in large part to their 22 made three-pointers.
How many three-pointers did the Timberwolves make in Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026?
Exactly 22, which matched their season high and came on impressive 46.8% shooting from deep.
Who led the Timberwolves in scoring during Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026?
Anthony Edwards topped the team with 26 points, including 4 threes, while Jaden McDaniels added 21 on a perfect 5-for-5 from three.
Why was Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026 such a big deal?
It highlighted Minnesota’s offensive explosion against a strong Thunder team, with the 22 threes being the second-most allowed by OKC all season and key to securing the upset win.
Where can I watch highlights from Timberwolves 22 threes vs Thunder January 29 2026?
Check official NBA sources like NBA.com for full highlights, or ESPN’s game page for recaps and clips.
