Thunder look to bounce back after Game 3 loss to Timberwolves

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma City Thunder are not hitting the panic button after a Game 3 playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. A sweep of the series always looked like a tall order, especially with the third game on the road against strong competition.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has kept a consistent starting lineup throughout this postseason, featuring Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams. Oklahoma City hopes the Game 3 loss will be just a minor setback in a playoff run that has seen them respond exceptionally well after losses.

“We keep everything fluid for a reason, so that it’s not these seismic events when we change a lineup at any point in time,” Daigneault said. “We changed the starting lineup during the season, coming out of halftime. We try to normalize that for situations where we can be opportunistic.”

Despite some success in Game 3 from the Timberwolves, whom the NBA had nearly counted out after their recent struggles, the Thunder have the tools to adjust. Daigneault may consider a single-big lineup to start games, a strategy that has proven effective during the season.

With Cason Wallace as a potential starter alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, the team could see improved offensive spacing. This adjustment could allow for better shot-making opportunities against a Timberwolves defense that often packs the paint.

The Thunder have seen success in their lone-center lineup with Wallace and Holmgren, boasting a strong point differential of +30.2 during these possessions. Oklahoma City’s offensive performance reaches the 99th percentile at 131.9 points per possession when utilizing this grouping.

Defensively, this lineup could help the Thunder apply pressure, forcing turnovers and minimizing slower half-court play. While the team can continue with its traditional lineup without much resistance, exploring the solo-big option could yield significant benefits.

As the Thunder prepare for their next playoff game, they remain confident. “We’re ready to adapt and respond,” they suggest, aiming for a swift return to winning ways.