The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the last two teams in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs. OKC dominated the first two games, winning 114-88 in game one and 118-103 in game two to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The series headed back to Minnesota for game three, and the Timberwolves were facing a must-win scenario to avoid going down 3-0 and virtually losing the series.
The Timberwolves came out scorching hot on the offensive end and took a 72-41 lead into halftime. They never looked back and dominated the Thunder from start to finish in their 143-101 win.
The game's big story was the combined efforts of stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, who combined for 54 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists in the Timberwolves' overpowering win.
While the T-Wolves were blowing out the Thunder, Hawkeye fans got a special treat as former Hawkeye legend Luka Garza entered the game in garbage time and immediately made an impact.
Garza entered the game in the last few minutes of the blowout win, and in five minutes of action, he dropped seven points. Garza's playoff point total stands at 38, and he scored those 38 in just 37 minutes.
Another fun Luka Garza stat is when he plays in a postseason game, the T-Wolves are 7-3. Maybe you should play him more minutes?
Garza is still finding his footing at the NBA level and has been limited to a reserve role. He is too good for the G-League and would tear opponents to shreds when he played for the Iowa Wolves, but he cannot break through on this loaded Timberwolves roster.
Garza works extremely hard to be ready when his number is called, and he makes an immediate impact on offense whenever he enters the game. Last night's seven-point outburst is proof of that, regardless of when he entered the game.
Following his time in the black and gold, Garza will always be on the minds of Hawkeye fans, and we hope he continues to carve out a role in the NBA.