NBA Western Conference G3 Preview: Alexander Impacts 3-0 Timberwolves return home to continue to be underestimated

At 8:30 a.m. Beijing time on May 25, the NBA Western Conference Finals continued, and the Timberwolves will play the Thunder at home to start Game 3 of the series. In the first two games, the Thunder won twice at home against the Timberwolves and led 2-0 overall. The Timberwolves, who returned to play at home in G3, were still underestimated by ESPN, and Alexander tried to change the overall score to 3-0.

The Timberwolves know that time is running out for them to bounce back. With the Thunder leading 2-0, the Timberwolves need to defend their home court to avoid a premature end to the season. "We've got to be determined," said Timberwolves forward McDaniels, "and every round counts, every game, every thing you can't afford to ignore." We have to be desperate to win and play smart. ”

Alexander averaged 34.5 points per game in the first two games of the Western Conference finals, leading the Thunder. He is also averaging 8.5 assists and four rebounds per game. It was a special week for Alexander, who lifted the regular season MVP trophy for the first time in his career. Alexander praised head coach Mark Dagneault for his leadership and help with his own growth.

"I've got to praise him. Mark is simply 'crazy,'" Alexander joked, "in the most positive way, of course." His obsession with the details is 'maddening', always focusing on what matters and never letting the details slip away, no matter what happens. It didn't matter if it was raining or sunny outside, whether I just scored 100 points or only 2 points, he was always the same and never wavered in his demands on me. ”

The same high standards apply to Alexander's team-mates. Jalen Williams averaged 22.5 points per game in the series, while Holmgren averaged 18.5 points per game — and this time he returned to his hometown of Minnesota to play.

The Timberwolves are led by Edwards, who averaged 25 points and nine rebounds per game in the first two series. Edwards needs to find a better offensive rhythm, shooting 43.6 percent overall and just 23.5 percent from three-point range in the first two games.

In the series, the Timberwolves had three other players in double figures: Randle (17 points per game), McDaniels (14.5) and Alexander Walker (12.5).

Randle was keen to find his groove in Game 3, and he struggled in Game 2 and was confined to the bench in the fourth quarter. He wants to stay on the pitch in the crucial moments of Game 3.

"Most of the time, I'm probably just standing there and 'watching' too much," Randle said, "and I'm going to get myself moving and get involved in the game." ”

In the first two games of the series, the Timberwolves had 10 more turnovers than the Thunder. "It's all about how much discomfort we can put our opponents in," Degneault said, "whether it's forcing them to shoot inefficiently, prolonging their offense, or making them pay for every offense or even make a mistake – we don't dwell on the outcome of a single round, we focus on controlling what we can control." ”

List of injuries and illnesses

Thunder: Topic is out

Timberwolves: All players are available

ESPN predicts the win rate: Thunder 67.2%, Timberwolves 32.8%