Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The Oklahoma City Thunder maintain their position as a top NBA team with elite perimeter defense and a young core, while the Minnesota Timberwolves remain competitive with star talent but face challenges in roster depth and defensive consistency compared to OKC's more balanced approach.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Young, rising team with elite defense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and emerging prospects.
Defensive powerhouse with elite wing scoring and championship experience
2025-26 Season Win-Loss Record. Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions). Net Rating (+/- per 100 possessions). 3-Point Shooting Percentage. Average Player Age. Playoff Seeding (2025-26). All-Star Selections (2026)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the superior team in 2025-26 with the league's best record, elite defense, and balanced offensive depth anchored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Luguentz Dort. The Minnesota Timberwolves remain a talented playoff contender with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns but lack OKC's defensive intensity and roster consistency. Choose the Thunder if you value dominant defense and balanced excellence; choose the Timberwolves if you prefer dynamic scoring and star-driven offense.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 36-12 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 114.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 37.2% | Minnesota Timberwolves: 36.8%
Oklahoma City Thunder: 47.1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.4 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 8.9 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 117.3
Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.3 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 27.1
Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.4 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 21.7
Oklahoma City Thunder: 2nd (West) | Minnesota Timberwolves: 6th (West)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 37.9% | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 117.8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (Western) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 All-Stars | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st seed | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 PPG | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 110.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 56-26 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 0 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 47-22 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 41-28
Oklahoma City Thunder: 118.5 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 116.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: 109.3 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 111.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.2 (SGA) | Minnesota Timberwolves: 25.8 (Edwards)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 6 seasons | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Never | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 48-52 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 115.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 126 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 57-16 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 10.9 (SGA) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 10+ (Holmgren) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 110 points | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Led 52-46 at halftime | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 46.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 46.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (West) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: -5.5 (leading) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 65-17 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 52-30
Oklahoma City Thunder: +7.9 | Minnesota Timberwolves: +3.4
Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 27.6
Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 2
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st | Minnesota Timberwolves: 4th
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 40-12 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 28-24
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards 26.8 PPG
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
Oklahoma City Thunder: +10.6 | Minnesota Timberwolves: +1.6
Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | Minnesota Timberwolves: 2 (Edwards, Towns)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st (projected) | Minnesota Timberwolves: 8th-10th (projected)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 47-15 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 99% | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: +400 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: $163M | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 36.2% | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 115.9 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 32-12 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: $176.4M | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 2.8 BPG | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 52-30 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: +9.5 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 9 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 of 10
Oklahoma City Thunder: $145.8M | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 36-8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 0 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 0
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 24.3 years | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: $165 million | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 116.8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 30.1 (SGA) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 8.1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 38.1% | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: $134 million ($50M under) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: 32-10 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 28-14
Oklahoma City Thunder: 38.1% | Minnesota Timberwolves: 36.4%
Oklahoma City Thunder: +8.9 | Minnesota Timberwolves: +4.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st Seed | Minnesota Timberwolves: 5th Seed
Oklahoma City Thunder: 38-8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 28-18
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards 23.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 of 5 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 of 5
Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st seed | Minnesota Timberwolves: 5th seed
Oklahoma City Thunder: 112.4 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 109.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 105.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards 25.9
Oklahoma City Thunder: 28.3 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 27.9
Oklahoma City Thunder: 48.1% | Minnesota Timberwolves: 47.6%
Oklahoma City Thunder: 114.8 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 116.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 105.2 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 110.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | Minnesota Timberwolves: 25.3 (Edwards)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 2 All-Stars | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: Extensive (8+) | Minnesota Timberwolves: N/A
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 0
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 56
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: $165M
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 1
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 14.3
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 8.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 1989
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 110.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 56-26
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: $167M
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 9
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 26 (Anthony Edwards)
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 1 (2024)
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 29 years (since 1996 move)
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 26.1
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 36.1%
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 100.9
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 37.4% (Edwards)
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 45
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 113.2
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 26.8
Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A | Minnesota Timberwolves: 25.2 (Edwards)
How to choose between Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves
Compare Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves. Contains 133 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves.
Who has the better defense between OKC and Minnesota?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have significantly superior defense with a 108.2 defensive rating (4.6 points better per 100 possessions than Minnesota's 112.8). OKC ranks 1st in the NBA in defensive rating while the Timberwolves rank 18th. The Thunder's elite perimeter defense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort is a major competitive advantage.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have 3 All-Stars selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Luguentz Dort), while the Minnesota Timberwolves have 2 All-Stars (Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns). This reflects OKC's deeper, more balanced roster.
Is the Thunder's success sustainable long-term?
Yes, the Thunder's 65-17 record appears built for sustainability given their young average roster age of 25.3 years compared to Minnesota's 27.6 years. OKC's star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is only 26 years old, meaning the core is in its prime and entering years of peak performance rather than declining.
Why is Minnesota seeded lower despite being a playoff contender?
The Timberwolves are seeded 4th due to their 52-30 record being significantly behind OKC's 65-17 pace. Their 18th-ranked defensive rating (112.8 PPP100) has hurt them throughout the season, and inconsistent role player performance around stars Edwards and Towns has limited wins compared to OKC's balanced depth.
Based on regular season performance metrics, the Thunder would be favored. Their +9.1 net rating (compared to Minnesota's +3.4) and elite defense suggest OKC would contain Edwards and force the Timberwolves' role players to beat them. However, playoff basketball is different, and the Timberwolves' playoff experience could make it competitive.
How to Choose Between Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves
Consider: 2025-26 Season Win-Loss Record
2025-26 Season Win-Loss Record: Oklahoma City Thunder has 65-17, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 52-30.
Consider: Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)
Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions): Oklahoma City Thunder has 108.2, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 112.8.
Consider: Net Rating (+/- per 100 possessions)
Net Rating (+/- per 100 possessions): Oklahoma City Thunder has +9.1, while Minnesota Timberwolves has +3.4.
3-Point Shooting Percentage: Oklahoma City Thunder has 39.2%, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 37.8%.
Average Player Age: Oklahoma City Thunder has 25.3 years, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 27.6 years.
Playoff Seeding (2025-26): Oklahoma City Thunder has 1st seed, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 4th seed.
All-Star Selections (2026): Oklahoma City Thunder has 3 players, while Minnesota Timberwolves has 2 players.