Andrew Wiggins Hits Buzzer-Beater, Twitter Erupts
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Andrew Wiggins said he knew the shot was good as soon as it left his hand.
Thankfully for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was right. Wiggins banked in a three-point shot from just inside half-court as time expired Sunday night to lift the Timberwolves to a 115-113 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The shot answered Carmelo Anthony's three-pointer with less than 10 seconds left that gave the Thunder a 113-112 lead. Wiggins finished with 27 points, but it was his last three that were the important.
Reporter to Wiggins: "Did you call glass?"
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 23, 2017
Wiggins: "Nah, I didn't."
Karl: "He called game."
A few of his former teammates even gave him a shout-out on Twitter after the game.
I see youuu ???????? https://t.co/qDM8MD1gm9
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) October 23, 2017
Yea @22wiggins !!! #gammer
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) October 23, 2017
Through three games, Wiggins is averaging 24.9 points per game and is shooting 42 percent from three-point range. Wiggins signed a five-year, $148 million contract extension before the Timberwolves faced San Antonio in their season-opener.
You can listen to the WCCO Radio call from Alan Horton here.
AUDIO: Here's how the final :08.9 sounded on @wccoradio & the Timberwolves Radio Network. https://t.co/eMW7aVRhu6
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) October 23, 2017
It's the second career-game winning shot for Wiggins in the NBA. He hit a baseline jumper last year as the final buzzer sounded as the Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns. He was the go-to option Sunday night for the Timberwolves when they needed scores in the fourth quarter. In the final five minutes, Wiggins scored 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting and was 2-for-2 with three throws. But after the game, Wiggins cared more about the win than his buzzer-beater or his 27 points.
Great Team Win Tonight ????
— andrew wiggins (@22wiggins) October 23, 2017
Wiggins was mobbed by his teammates after hitting the shot. The Timberwolves are now 2-1 on the season and have three games this week, starting with the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night at Target Center.
Best @Timberwolves in 13 years. Incredible effort. Clutch performances. Basketball is FUN again in Minnesota!
— Jim Petersen (@JimPeteHoops) October 23, 2017