The Minnesota Timberwolves have silenced some doubters with their commanding 143-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, but according to Charles Barkley , their job is far from over. The Hall of Famer paints a clear picture of the Mimberwolves’ stance in the playoff conference finals while discussing their chances. The Hall of Famer asserted that Game 4 is do-or-die for Minnesota.
Charles Barkley delivers a blunt reality check for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Charles Barkley is rooting for the Minnesota Timberwolves as he recently shared that the team must win Game 4 to make their case in the playoff conference finals, otherwise, the elimination would loom over Anthony Edwards and company’s championship dream. “All the pressure’s still on Minnesota, tomorrow’s a must-win for Minnesota. It’s not a must-win for OKC,” Barkley said during TNT’s Inside the NBA on Sunday.
“The one thing you have to understand, whether they win by one or 40, it doesn't matter,” Barkley added. “It’s still one game. All the pressure tomorrow is still on the Timberwolves. Because if they don't win tomorrow, they'll be done Game 5.”
Barkley’s logic is rooted in playoff reality. Oklahoma City still holds home-court advantage. If the Thunder lose Game 4, they head back home with the series tied. But if Minnesota stumbles again, they’d be staring down a 3-1 deficit with a road game looming, and to back up the NBA legend’s comments, a scenario few teams escape from alive.
Barkley’s words echoed even louder given Minnesota’s inconsistency. After struggling in Games 1 and 2, the Wolves finally clicked in Game 3. Anthony Edwards delivered a scorching 30 points on 12-for-17 shooting, and Julius Randle bounced back with 24 points at 60 percent efficiency. Minnesota’s defense also locked down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, holding them to a combined 27 points.
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Edwards is aware of the situation at hand, and he is not ready to celebrate as of yet. When asked if Minnesota was officially back in the series, the All-Star guard gave his candid reaction. “No,” Edwards said. “We’re still down. It’s just one win. Can’t get too high on it. Don’t get too low. Just got to try to win another one, man. This team, they’re the best team in the NBA.”
Game 4 tips off May 26, Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Charles Barkley delivers a blunt reality check for the Minnesota Timberwolves
Charles Barkley is rooting for the Minnesota Timberwolves as he recently shared that the team must win Game 4 to make their case in the playoff conference finals, otherwise, the elimination would loom over Anthony Edwards and company’s championship dream. “All the pressure’s still on Minnesota, tomorrow’s a must-win for Minnesota. It’s not a must-win for OKC,” Barkley said during TNT’s Inside the NBA on Sunday.
The Timberwolves trail 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals, and while Saturday’s Game 3 was a statement win, Barkley reminded fans that momentum alone isn’t enough. He stressed that Minnesota’s big win, while impressive, doesn’t shift the pressure away from them.Chuck thinks Minnesota is done if they don't win tomorrow 🫣 pic.twitter.com/hEBgubkz3Y
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 25, 2025
“The one thing you have to understand, whether they win by one or 40, it doesn't matter,” Barkley added. “It’s still one game. All the pressure tomorrow is still on the Timberwolves. Because if they don't win tomorrow, they'll be done Game 5.”
Barkley’s logic is rooted in playoff reality. Oklahoma City still holds home-court advantage. If the Thunder lose Game 4, they head back home with the series tied. But if Minnesota stumbles again, they’d be staring down a 3-1 deficit with a road game looming, and to back up the NBA legend’s comments, a scenario few teams escape from alive.
Barkley’s words echoed even louder given Minnesota’s inconsistency. After struggling in Games 1 and 2, the Wolves finally clicked in Game 3. Anthony Edwards delivered a scorching 30 points on 12-for-17 shooting, and Julius Randle bounced back with 24 points at 60 percent efficiency. Minnesota’s defense also locked down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, holding them to a combined 27 points.
Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks could trade $220,441,984 superstar amid recent struggles against Pacers; Mitchel Robinson takes center stage?
Edwards is aware of the situation at hand, and he is not ready to celebrate as of yet. When asked if Minnesota was officially back in the series, the All-Star guard gave his candid reaction. “No,” Edwards said. “We’re still down. It’s just one win. Can’t get too high on it. Don’t get too low. Just got to try to win another one, man. This team, they’re the best team in the NBA.”
Game 4 tips off May 26, Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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