The Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant run through the NBA hit a surprising roadblock on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The league's top team and defending champions suffered only their third loss of the season, falling 112-107 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Edwards Delivers in Crunch Time
With the game on the line, Anthony Edwards took over for the Timberwolves. Despite Oklahoma City holding a narrow lead in the final minute, Edwards silenced the crowd with a monumental 24-foot step-back three-pointer with just seconds remaining. This clutch shot swung the momentum decisively and sealed the hard-fought victory for Minnesota.
Edwards finished the night with an impressive all-around stat line of 26 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, leading his team in a statement win against the NBA's best.
Reigning MVP's Effort Not Enough
On the other side, reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did all he could to keep the Thunder's winning streak alive. He poured in a game-high 35 points, but his stellar individual performance wasn't sufficient to secure the win. This marks the Thunder's second defeat in their last three outings, a slight stumble after a near-perfect start to the campaign.
The loss drops Oklahoma City's remarkable record to 25-3 for the season. It also brings a stunning halt to their 16-game winning streak, which had sparked league-wide conversations about their potential to challenge the Golden State Warriors' historic 73-win season record.
Context and Conference Standings
This defeat comes just days after the Thunder were eliminated from the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas, falling to the San Antonio Spurs. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, strengthened their position in the competitive Western Conference, improving their record to 18-10 and solidifying their hold on the sixth spot.
In other NBA action from Friday, the San Antonio Spurs showcased their continued strong form. They routed the Atlanta Hawks 126-98, with French phenom Victor Wembanyama making a major impact off the bench by scoring 26 points in just 21 minutes of play.
