The Minnesota Timberwolves saw a clear difference in Tim Legler’s approach to setting the tone, so they sent a loud, clear message saying they wouldn’t put one of their own in Game 3.
The Oklahoma City Thunder flew high after securing home court with two wins at a margin of 41 points and received a brutal reality check.
The Minnesota Timberwolves gave them a 42-point beatdown, earning 143-101, perhaps the most surprising result of the Western Conference playoffs to date.
Julius Randle continued his control while Anthony Edwards joined the party, but ESPN expert Tim Legoler found himself doing something different from the beginning of Game 3, which was not Game 1 or 2.
The Timberwolves lost the first two games badly, but somehow the scoreline didn’t say how easy it is for Thunder to steam and roll them.
So it’s even more surprising that the wolves, armed even at home court advantage, have given this loss to their championship favorites.
Legler said it happened because the wolves brought sw walking, desire and energy from the first whi of Game 3.
He praised one player for his role in setting the tone and making sure the whole team is in a relaxed state of mind after a hot start.
He said: “I thought there was the right level of energy you had to have against Oklahoma City, and I didn’t see it in games 1 and 2.
“The swaggers were there from the start of Game 3. Their best players came out and started them with that game, Anthony Edwards (16 points in the first quarter). It set the tone for the whole team.”
Although Legler has completely deciphered the contrast of energy levels, the game state is just as relevant to the weakness of lightning and the strength of the wolf.
The Thunder naturally let go of their feet for this game after securing a 2-0 lead while the wolves fought for their lives and protected the home court.
It was always intended to lead to a lower level of effort for lightning, and vice versa.
They have had such an embarrassing loss on lightning, so they must be ready for an inevitable reaction.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s team has always been very responsive to set-ups this season. They fire in Game 4, with itching and regaining itching.
If the wolves hold back that barrage, it will be the game for the remaining three people, despite the Thunder retaining the home advantage.
