Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 3: Western Conference Finals Heating Up
You want drama? This series has delivered. The Thunder vs Timberwolves matchup in the Western Conference Finals is picking up speed as both teams head into Game 3 on May 24 at 8:30 PM ET, live from Target Center in Minneapolis. The pressure’s building: Oklahoma City Thunder, riding high after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s monster 38-point performance in Game 2, are within striking distance of their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are desperately trying to steady themselves after falling behind by a jaw-dropping 28-point margin early in Game 3.
This isn’t just another playoff game. For OKC, a win would extend their lead and put Minnesota on the ropes. The Timberwolves, whose comeback attempts have been galvanized by clutch plays from Naz Reid and the experience of Mike Conley, can’t afford another slow start. The youthful Thunder have shown a knack for thriving under pressure—but can the Wolves rally in front of their home crowd and flip the script?
How to Watch and Stream Game 3—Without Paying a Dime
The game will broadcast live nationwide on ABC. That’s the easiest way for most Americans to catch every possession, highlight, and momentum swing. But if you’ve cut the cord or just want to know all your options (including free ones), there are some clever workarounds.
Here’s how you can catch Game 3:
- ABC broadcast: This is the official carrier in the U.S. Just turn on your TV or use the ABC app if you have cable credentials.
- NBA’s YouTube Live (India): The NBA streams the playoffs on YouTube for Indian viewers—a rare freebie, but it’s region-restricted. With a VPN like ExpressVPN, you can set your location to India and access the stream if you're outside the region. Plenty of fans have used this method, but remember: choose a reputable VPN and check the reliability before tip-off.
- YouTube TV: At $83 per month, YouTube TV offers ABC, ESPN, and TNT, covering pretty much every playoff game. They toss in a free trial as well, so if you haven’t signed up before, you might catch the game without opening your wallet (just remember to cancel if you don’t want the monthly charge).
Of course, many local bars and restaurants screen high-stakes playoff games like this one, so sometimes the best way to soak in the atmosphere is with a crowd of other fans—and maybe some wings for good measure.
You don’t have to be a tech genius to find a way to watch. Even with all the paywalls popping up around sports events these days, with a little know-how you can still tune in live without shelling out for another subscription.
Game 3 will set the tone for the rest of the series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing with a quiet confidence that’s made him one of the postseason’s top stories, while Minnesota’s role players are itching to show they can swing a series in their favor. With so much on the line, no NBA fan will want to miss it.
