OKC Thunder Strikes Daily

December 20, 2025 • Sports

Hosted by Big Dill

About This Episode

Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want to hear daily OKC Thunder news. If they played a game then give me the highlights.

Transcript

Welcome to Big Dill Sports, where every detail matters, and every game has a story. I’m Dillon, your host, and today we're diving into the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Let’s unpack what went down on Friday night at the Target Center.

It was a nail-biting contest, with the Thunder falling 112-107 to the Timberwolves. Oklahoma City had a promising lead of 107-104 with just over a minute left, but then came a game-changing eight-point run by Minnesota. The dagger was Anthony Edwards' step-back three-pointer with 38.5 seconds remaining. This was only the Thunder’s third loss this season, leaving their record at an impressive 25–3.

The standout for Oklahoma City was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up a stellar 35 points and seven assists. However, he was thwarted on a critical layup attempt in the final seconds. Jalen Williams added 17 points, and both Chet Holmgren and rookie Ajay Mitchell chipped in 14 points each. Despite the efforts, it was Minnesota's night.

On the Timberwolves’ side, Anthony Edwards made a powerful comeback after missing three games, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Julius Randle was instrumental with 19 points and eight rebounds, supported by Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, who each contributed 15 points.

This loss doesn’t overshadow the Thunder’s incredible start to the season, marking just their third defeat in 28 games. Their losses have been close, with opponent records a combined 52–23. The Thunder still boast the league’s best record and a two-game lead in the Western Conference.

The game was a tactical battle with both teams shooting under 40 percent in the first half. Oklahoma City had a slight edge, entering the fourth quarter with an 85-83 lead. But everything shifted in the final minute. Julius Randle initiated the sequence with free throws, Anthony Edwards hit the go-ahead three, and then blocked Shai’s crucial layup attempt. Randle and Jaden McDaniels sealed the victory with free throws.

In an interesting twist, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was ejected early on after protesting calls, leaving assistant Micah Nori to steer the team. Oklahoma City’s coach, Mark Daigneault, made strategic adjustments, highlighted by a third-quarter 16–3 run. Yet, it wasn’t enough to hold back Minnesota’s late surge.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will face the Memphis Grizzlies back home on December 22. The team remains strong at the top of the standings, while the Timberwolves, now at 18–10, gear up to challenge the Milwaukee Bucks. Minnesota’s winning momentum, with eight wins in their last ten games, poses a promising outlook.

Before wrapping up, it’s time to name Big Dill Sports’ 'Big Dill' of the day. This game, the honor goes to Anthony Edwards. His 26 points, 12 rebounds, and clutch performance truly made him the 'big deal' of the night, effectively leading the Timberwolves to a remarkable victory.

Thanks for tuning in to Big Dill Sports. Join us next time for more insights and game breakdowns. Stay sharp, stay passionate, and keep loving the game.

## Game Overview
On Friday night, December 19, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell 112–107 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis. After leading 107–104 with 1:09 remaining, the Thunder surrendered an eight-point, game-deciding run over the final minute, capped by Anthony Edwards’ step-back three-pointer with 38.5 seconds left. This marked Oklahoma City’s third loss in 28 games, dropping their record to 25–3 on the season ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)).

## Player Performances
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the Thunder offensively, posting a team-high 35 points along with seven assists, though he was thwarted on a game-tying layup attempt in the final minute ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)). Jalen Williams chipped in 17 points, while Chet Holmgren and rookie guard Ajay Mitchell each tallied 14 points ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)). On the Timberwolves’ side, Edwards returned from a three-game absence to contribute 26 points and 12 rebounds. Julius Randle added 19 points and eight rebounds, with Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid scoring 15 apiece ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)).

## Key Milestones and Records
This loss marked only the third time Oklahoma City has been defeated in its first 28 games, showcasing a continuation of last season’s championship-caliber form ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)). The Thunder’s three defeats have come against teams now a combined 52–23 on the season, underscoring the narrow margins in their early-season contests. With Friday’s setback, Oklahoma City’s streak of 13 consecutive home wins remains intact, but the road schedule will present tougher challenges moving forward ([new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20251219_OKC%40MIN/?utm_source=openai)).

## Tactical Analysis and Turning Points
After a tightly contested first half in which both teams shot below 40 percent, Oklahoma City built an 85–83 lead entering the fourth quarter. The turning point occurred in the final minute: Julius Randle cut the deficit to one with 53.1 seconds to go, but missed the second free throw. Edwards grabbed the rebound, drilled a go-ahead three on the next possession, then blocked Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup attempt. Randle and Jaden McDaniels closed out the win with a pair of late free throws ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)).

## Coaching Developments
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was ejected early in the first quarter after vehemently protesting non-calls against Luguentz Dort, requiring restraint from multiple staff members. Assistant Micah Nori assumed on-court duties for the remainder of the game. Oklahoma City’s coaching staff, led by Mark Daigneault, made key defensive adjustments in the third quarter—including a 16–3 run featuring a Gilgeous-Alexander 3-pointer and a Holmgren dunk—to seize temporary control before the late collapse ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/eight-point-run-final-minute-pulls-wolves-over-thunder--flm-2025-12-20/)).

## Impact on Standings and Upcoming Schedule
The Thunder will return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, December 22. Despite the setback, Oklahoma City maintains the NBA’s best record at 25–3 and holds a two-game cushion atop the Western Conference standings. Minnesota improves to 18–10 and prepares to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, December 21, looking to build on its eight wins in the last ten games ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/timberwolves-hand-the-thunder-their-3rd-loss-21253653.php)).

— Field Level Media and AP Sports contributed to this report.

OKC Thunder Strikes Daily