Overview

• The Minnesota Timberwolves led the Oklahoma City Thunder 72-41 at halftime in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, building a commanding 31-point lead.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's MVP, struggled in the first half, scoring just 9 points on 2-of-6 shooting with four turnovers by halftime.
• The Timberwolves' home crowd targeted Gilgeous-Alexander with chants of 'free throw merchant,' a term criticizing his frequent trips to the free-throw line.
• Social media captured the crowd's chant, which quickly gained attention and highlighted the hostile playoff atmosphere at the Target Center.
• The Thunder entered Game 3 down 0-2 in the series, facing mounting pressure to avoid falling into an even deeper deficit.