Anthony Edwards takes charge as Timberwolves blowout OKC in Game 3

After getting punked twice in Oklahoma City Minnesota s season was on the line Saturday at Target Center Tournament of the West Finals wasn t only a must-win it was a must-set a tone The Timberwolves had to remind the world and frankly themselves of who they are A talented physical relentless collection Who better to deliver the message than Anthony Edwards The superstar guard did just that Saturday to power Minnesota to a - achievement The Wolves pulled within - in the series with Competition set for p m Monday in Minneapolis Yes Edwards scored points in the first quarter literally out-scoring the Thunder as a whole in that frame but more importantly he was tenacious in every aspect of the match His defense was harassing out on the perimeter producing a number of steals that led to highlight finishes in transition He was a monster on the glass even nabbing an offensive board off a Rudy Gobert missed free throw Offensively Edwards certainly started to hit the step in triples that have become a trademark of his this season and Oklahoma City has left available with its drop pick and roll coverage Edwards came out throwing haymakers When your best athlete exerts his dominance others feel more assured to fulfill their roles Suddenly the -pointers of everyone else started to fall Mike Conley Nickeil Alexander-Walker Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo all started raining down triples with confidence The Wolves snapped out of a shooting slump by going for from -point range in the win Timberwolves coach Chris Finch went to Terrence Shannon Jr in the first-half rotation and the rookie responded with nine points in four minutes of action in the first half alone finishing with for the tournament Minnesota also shifted to a more aggressive perimeter defense that held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check and prevented Oklahoma City from ever getting calm offensively Minnesota led by after the first frame at halftime and was never threatened by the top-seeded Thunder Edwards had points nine rebounds and six assists He was everywhere which was exactly where he necessities to be if Minnesota is to win four games out of five against this Thunder organization One down three to go