Terrence Shannon Jr. delivered a flawless shooting night in his return to action, but the Minnesota Timberwolves fell agonizingly short against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 26, 2025. The Thunder held on for a thrilling 103-101 victory, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominating the contest.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Shannon Jr. shot 7-for-7 from the field for a perfect shooting night, adding 3-for-3 from three-point range
- The rookie returned after missing 9 consecutive games with a bone bruise in his foot
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points on 11-for-18 shooting efficiency
- Anthony Edwards scored 27 points for the Timberwolves in the tight matchup
Perfect Shooting Performance Can’t Break Thunder Curse
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Terrence Shannon Jr. showed why the Timberwolves have high expectations for the 2024 Draft pick. In just 17 minutes of action, Shannon Jr. went absolutely cold from a percentage standpoint, maintaining a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night. He added 18 total points, with all three of his three-point attempts finding the bottom of the net. This marked his return from a foot injury that sidelined him for over a week.
However, Shannon Jr.’s stellar individual performance wasn’t enough to overcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive firepower for the Thunder. The reigning superstar paced Oklahoma City with 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 33 minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11-for-18 from the field and an impressive 12-for-13 from the free-throw line, demonstrating why he remains one of the NBA’s elite scorers.
Timberwolves Fight Back But Fall Just Short in Fourth Quarter
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Minnesota entered the final frame with momentum, led by Anthony Edwards who finished with 27 points on efficient 8-for-18 shooting. The Timberwolves offense moved the ball effectively throughout the contest, recording 24 assists on 32 made field goals. Donte DiVincenzo added 11 points while Naz Reid chipped in 12 points off the bench.
The game came down to critical possessions in the final minutes. Minnesota led by as much as 8 points late in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City executed down the stretch. The Thunder improved to a 10-7 record in the NBA Cup group stage with the clutch victory at Paycom Center.
Shannon Jr. Impresses Despite Injury Layoff
| Stat Category | Value |
| Field Goals Made-Attempted | 7-7 (100%) |
| Three-Point Shooting | 3-3 (100%) |
| Free Throw Shooting | 1-2 (50%) |
| Total Points Scored | 18 |
| Minutes Played | 17:08 |
| Games Missed Due to Injury | 9 (bone bruise) |
The Timberwolves faced questions heading into the matchup about Shannon Jr.’s readiness after the extended absence. Those concerns evaporated quickly. In limited minutes, the guard-forward showcased the offensive skills that made him a 27th overall pick in 2024. His perfect shooting night demonstrated confidence and touch on both shots from beyond the arc and inside the paint.
Despite Shannon Jr.’s impressive showing, Minnesota couldn’t quite push through. The loss puts additional pressure on Head Coach Chris Finch and his squad to find consistency as they continue NBA Cup group stage play.
Thunder Remain Undefeated at Home as Gilgeous-Alexander Controls Game Flow
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controlled the tempo throughout the night, making plays for teammates while shouldering the scoring load. Isaiah Hartenstein provided 15 points and 7 rebounds as a secondary option for the Thunder. Ajay Mitchell added 13 points in a strong bench contribution that proved decisive in the late stages.
Oklahoma City’s defense tightened in crucial moments, holding the Timberwolves to just 101 points on 43.2% shooting. The Thunder defense, particularly in the final quarter, limited Minnesota’s offensive rhythm when it mattered most. This victory extends OKC’s winning record at Paycom Center and reinforces their status as a strong contender in the Western Conference.
What’s Next for Both Teams as NBA Cup Continues?
The Timberwolves face a crucial stretch ahead after this heartbreaking defeat. With Shannon Jr. expected to see increased minutes as he rounds back into game shape, Minnesota hopes to gain momentum in upcoming matchups. The team’s ability to close out close games will be tested repeatedly in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Thunder look to maintain their high level of play with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. Another matchup between these conference rivals could provide opportunities for both teams to settle scores, particularly with Shannon Jr.’s presence potentially disrupting Oklahoma City’s defensive schemes moving forward.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official box scores and player statistics from November 26 game
- ESPN – Game recap and player performance analysis
- Sports Illustrated – Injury update on Terrence Shannon Jr. return
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.