Why is the Thunder performing better than the Timberwolves this season?

The Thunder's success stems from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent MVP-caliber play, elite team defense ranked 4th in the NBA, and superior bench depth. Their balanced offensive approach with contributions from multiple players and stronger consistency in close games have led to their 2nd seed position versus the Timberwolves' 6th seed.

How do the leading scorers compare between these teams?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 28.1 PPG for Oklahoma City with elite efficiency and playmaking, while Anthony Edwards scores 25.3 PPG for Minnesota with higher volume and more explosive athleticism. SGA's approach is more efficient and consistent, while Edwards provides higher ceiling scoring nights.

Which team has better playoff prospects for 2026?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored as 2nd seed with more balanced depth, elite defense, and consistency. However, the Timberwolves' 6th seed position doesn't eliminate them from making a deep run if Anthony Edwards elevates his game and defensive consistency improves in playoff basketball.

What are the defensive differences between these teams?

The Thunder rank 4th in defensive rating (107.2 points per 100 possessions) with elite perimeter defense and paint protection, while the Timberwolves rank 15th (109.8) with occasional lapses against elite offenses. Thunder's team chemistry on defense is noticeably superior.

How important is bench scoring to each team's success?

Bench scoring is critical for both teams. The Thunder's 22.7 PPG from the bench provides crucial relief minutes, while the Timberwolves' 19.4 PPG bench output has been more inconsistent. Thunder's bench depth is a key differentiator in close games and playoff scenarios.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Updated March 28, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves

Talented roster with star offensive weapons but inconsistent execution and defensive vulnerabilities

Fans who appreciate high-energy, high-scoring basketball with young star potential

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Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Western Conference leaders with MVP-caliber star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Basketball purists who value team defense, balanced scoring, and fundamental basketball excellence

Short Answer

The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as a stronger team in 2025-26, boasting a superior record and more balanced scoring with SGA as their star. The Timberwolves remain competitive with Anthony Edwards leading the offense, but the Thunder's depth and defensive consistency give them the edge this season.

Our Verdict

The Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as the superior team in 2025-26, holding a commanding 6-game lead in wins with more balanced offensive production and elite defense. While the Minnesota Timberwolves remain a playoff contender with Anthony Edwards' star power, the Thunder's depth, consistency, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber performance make them the clear favorites in any matchup between these teams.

Minnesota Timberwolves5.3

9.7Oklahoma City Thunder

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Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Win-Loss Record (2025-26 season): Oklahoma City Thunder wins (48-22 vs 42-28)

🔹

Leading Scorer: Oklahoma City Thunder wins (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28.1 PPG) vs Anthony Edwards (25.3 PPG))

🔹

Defensive Rating: Oklahoma City Thunder wins (107.2 points allowed per 100 possessions vs 109.8 points allowed per 100 possessions)

See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	Minnesota Timberwolves	Oklahoma City Thunder	Diff
Franchise Championships(titles)	0	—	—
2024-25 Wins(wins)	56	—	—
Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	109.8	108.5	+1%
Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

Key Differences

Minnesota Timberwolves

Attribute

Oklahoma City Thunder

42-28

Win-Loss Record (2025-26 season)

48-22🏆

Anthony Edwards (25.3 PPG)

Leading Scorer

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28.1 PPG)🏆

109.8 points allowed per 100 possessions

Defensive Rating

107.2 points allowed per 100 possessions

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Last updated: March 28, 2026AI generated

Win-Loss Record (2025-26 season)

Minnesota Timberwolves

42-28

Oklahoma City Thunder

48-22🏆

Leading Scorer

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards (25.3 PPG)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28.1 PPG)🏆

Defensive Rating

Minnesota Timberwolves

109.8 points allowed per 100 possessions

Oklahoma City Thunder

107.2 points allowed per 100 possessions🏆

Bench Scoring

Minnesota Timberwolves

19.4 PPG

Oklahoma City Thunder

22.7 PPG🏆

Three-Point Percentage

Minnesota Timberwolves

36.8%

Oklahoma City Thunder

37.4%🏆

Team Assists per Game

Minnesota Timberwolves

27.1 APG

Oklahoma City Thunder

28.3 APG🏆

Playoff Seeding Position

Minnesota Timberwolves

6th seed (Western Conference)

Oklahoma City Thunder

2nd seed (Western Conference)🏆

Full Comparison

Attribute	Minnesota Timberwolves	Oklahoma City Thunder

Franchise Championships(titles)	0	—
Finals Appearances(times)	0	—
All-Time Championships(titles)	0	—

2024-25 Wins(wins)	56	—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	109.8	108.5
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)	8.9	—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	118.5	119.3
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)	117.3	116.8
Points Per Game(PPG)	116.2	118.5
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)	28.4	—

Lead Star Player Age(years)	24 (Edwards)	—
Average Team Age(years)	24.8	—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)	2	2 of 5
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)	41-28	47-22

Projected Payroll(millions USD)	$165M	—

Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG)	116.8	—
Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)	33.4 (SGA)	—

Field Goal Percentage(%)	46.7%	48.2%
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)	N/A	—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)	46.3	47.1

Assists Per Game(APG)	27.1	—

Turnovers Per Game(TPG)	14.3	—

Bench Scoring(points per game)	24.1	26.4

Steals Per Game(SPG)	8.2	—

Year Franchise Founded(year)	1989	—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)	42-28	48-22
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)	56-26	—
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)	57-16	—
Conference Standing(Seed Position)	1st Seed	—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)	25.3 (Edwards)	28.1 (SGA)

Three-Point Percentage(percent)	35.9%	37.4%
3-Point Percentage(percent)	37.9%	—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)	27.1	28.3

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)	6th (West)	2nd (West)
Win-Loss Record(games)	54-16	—
Conference Rank(position)	1st (Western)	—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)	111.8	109.3

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)	25.8 (Edwards)	30.2 (SGA)

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)	47.1	—
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)	10+ (Holmgren)	—

Average Points Per Game(points)	117.8	—

All-Star Selections(players)	3 All-Stars	—

Playoff Seed(position)	1st seed	—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)	N/A	—
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)	30.1 PPG	—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)	105.8	—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)	0	—

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)	4	—

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)	—

Coach Tenure(seasons)	6 seasons	—

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)	Never	—

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)	48-52	—

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)	115.2	—

Final Score(points)	126	—

Location	Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK	—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)	N/A	—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)	N/A	—

Game-Winning Play	Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129	—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)	10.9 (SGA)	—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)	110 points	—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)	Led 52-46 at halftime	—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)	Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack	—

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

Franchise Championships(titles)

—

Finals Appearances(times)

—

All-Time Championships(titles)

—

2024-25 Wins(wins)

—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

109.8

108.5

Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)

8.9

—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

118.5

119.3

Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)

117.3

116.8

Points Per Game(PPG)

116.2

118.5

Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)

28.4

—

Lead Star Player Age(years)

24 (Edwards)

—

Average Team Age(years)

24.8

—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)

2 of 5

Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)

41-28

47-22

Projected Payroll(millions USD)

$165M

—

Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG)

116.8

—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)

33.4 (SGA)

—

Field Goal Percentage(%)

46.7%

48.2%

Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)

N/A

—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)

46.3

47.1

Assists Per Game(APG)

27.1

—

Turnovers Per Game(TPG)

14.3

—

Bench Scoring(points per game)

24.1

26.4

Steals Per Game(SPG)

8.2

—

Year Franchise Founded(year)

1989

—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)

42-28

48-22

2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)

56-26

—

Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)

57-16

—

Conference Standing(Seed Position)

1st Seed

—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)

25.3 (Edwards)

28.1 (SGA)

Three-Point Percentage(percent)

35.9%

37.4%

3-Point Percentage(percent)

37.9%

—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)

27.1

28.3

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)

6th (West)

2nd (West)

Win-Loss Record(games)

54-16

—

Conference Rank(position)

1st (Western)

—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)

111.8

109.3

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)

25.8 (Edwards)

30.2 (SGA)

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)

47.1

—

Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)

10+ (Holmgren)

—

Average Points Per Game(points)

117.8

—

All-Star Selections(players)

3 All-Stars

—

Playoff Seed(position)

1st seed

—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)

N/A

—

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)

30.1 PPG

—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)

105.8

—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)

—

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)

—

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

—

Coach Tenure(seasons)

6 seasons

—

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)

Never

—

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)

48-52

—

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)

115.2

—

Final Score(points)

126

—

Location

Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)

N/A

—

Game-Winning Play

Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129

—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)

10.9 (SGA)

—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)

110 points

—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)

Led 52-46 at halftime

—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)

Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack

—

Full Comparison

Attribute	Minnesota Timberwolves	Oklahoma City Thunder

Franchise Championships(titles)	0	—
Finals Appearances(times)	0	—
All-Time Championships(titles)	0	—

2024-25 Wins(wins)	56	—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	109.8	108.5
Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)	8.9	—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)	118.5	119.3
Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)	117.3	116.8
Points Per Game(PPG)	116.2	118.5
Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)	28.4	—

Lead Star Player Age(years)	24 (Edwards)	—
Average Team Age(years)	24.8	—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)	2	2 of 5
Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)	41-28	47-22

Projected Payroll(millions USD)	$165M	—

Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG)	116.8	—
Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)	33.4 (SGA)	—

Field Goal Percentage(%)	46.7%	48.2%
Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)	N/A	—
Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)	N/A	—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)	46.3	47.1

Assists Per Game(APG)	27.1	—

Turnovers Per Game(TPG)	14.3	—

Bench Scoring(points per game)	24.1	26.4

Steals Per Game(SPG)	8.2	—

Year Franchise Founded(year)	1989	—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)	42-28	48-22
2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)	56-26	—
Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)	57-16	—
Conference Standing(Seed Position)	1st Seed	—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)	25.3 (Edwards)	28.1 (SGA)

Three-Point Percentage(percent)	35.9%	37.4%
3-Point Percentage(percent)	37.9%	—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)	27.1	28.3

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)	6th (West)	2nd (West)
Win-Loss Record(games)	54-16	—
Conference Rank(position)	1st (Western)	—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)	111.8	109.3

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)	25.8 (Edwards)	30.2 (SGA)

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)	47.1	—
Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)	10+ (Holmgren)	—

Average Points Per Game(points)	117.8	—

All-Star Selections(players)	3 All-Stars	—

Playoff Seed(position)	1st seed	—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)	N/A	—
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)	30.1 PPG	—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)	105.8	—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)	0	—

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)	4	—

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)	—

Coach Tenure(seasons)	6 seasons	—

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)	Never	—

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)	48-52	—

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)	115.2	—

Final Score(points)	126	—

Location	Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK	—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)	N/A	—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)	N/A	—

Game-Winning Play	Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129	—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)	10.9 (SGA)	—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)	110 points	—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)	Led 52-46 at halftime	—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)	Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack	—

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

Franchise Championships(titles)

—

Finals Appearances(times)

—

All-Time Championships(titles)

—

2024-25 Wins(wins)

—

Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

109.8

108.5

Steals Per Game (Team)(steals)

8.9

—

Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions)

118.5

119.3

Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG)

117.3

116.8

Points Per Game(PPG)

116.2

118.5

Assists Per Game (Team)(assists)

28.4

—

Lead Star Player Age(years)

24 (Edwards)

—

Average Team Age(years)

24.8

—

Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(appearances)

2 of 5

Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses)

41-28

47-22

Projected Payroll(millions USD)

$165M

—

Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG)

116.8

—

Leading Scorer PPG(Points Per Game)

33.4 (SGA)

—

Field Goal Percentage(%)

46.7%

48.2%

Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%)

N/A

—

Rebounds Per Game(RPG)

46.3

47.1

Assists Per Game(APG)

27.1

—

Turnovers Per Game(TPG)

14.3

—

Bench Scoring(points per game)

24.1

26.4

Steals Per Game(SPG)

8.2

—

Year Franchise Founded(year)

1989

—

Wins-Losses Record(W-L)

42-28

48-22

2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins)

56-26

—

Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses)

57-16

—

Conference Standing(Seed Position)

1st Seed

—

Leading Scorer Average(PPG)

25.3 (Edwards)

28.1 (SGA)

Three-Point Percentage(percent)

35.9%

37.4%

3-Point Percentage(percent)

37.9%

—

Team Assists Per Game(APG)

27.1

28.3

Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking)

6th (West)

2nd (West)

Win-Loss Record(games)

54-16

—

Conference Rank(position)

1st (Western)

—

Points Allowed Per Game(PPG)

111.8

109.3

Star Player PPG Average(PPG)

25.8 (Edwards)

30.2 (SGA)

Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds)

47.1

—

Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game)

10+ (Holmgren)

—

Average Points Per Game(points)

117.8

—

All-Star Selections(players)

3 All-Stars

—

Playoff Seed(position)

1st seed

—

Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG)

N/A

—

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG)

30.1 PPG

—

Team Defensive Rating(DRTG)

105.8

—

NBA Championship Titles(Titles)

—

Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances)

—

Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite)

—

Coach Tenure(seasons)

6 seasons

—

Last Conference Finals Appearance(year)

Never

—

Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins)

48-52

—

Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100)

115.2

—

Final Score(points)

126

—

Location

Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

—

Aaron Gordon Points(points)

N/A

—

Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating)

N/A

—

Game-Winning Play

Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129

—

Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game)

10.9 (SGA)

—

Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score)

110 points

—

Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin)

Led 52-46 at halftime

—

Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players)

Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack

—

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

Short Answer

Our Verdict

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Minnesota Timberwolves

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

Short Answer

Our Verdict

🔔Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Explore Entities

More Sports

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

Minnesota Timberwolves

Pros

Cons

Oklahoma City Thunder

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Learn More

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Track this comparison