The Thunder came into this game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 3 game losing streak. This slight skid has had the fans of Oklahoma and league wide wondering can OKC get it together ASAP. The Thunder wanted to bounce back and did just so against the Timberwolves as OKC wanted to establish themselves in the paint early. Steven Adams was playing like a beast in the paint and was not to be denied at the rim. One thing that was noticable tonight was the Thunder were looking for Adams as he went 7-7 in the first half. Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams put their chemistry on full display tonight and took it to the Timberwolves. With the Thunder establishing the paint early it led to players on the Timberwolves to try to help more in the paint on Adams and once that happened it allowed OKC to move on offense. The Thunder were able to capitalize on the open opporutnities from 3 point range as Paul George was able to get his game going.
Paul George had 15 points in the 1st quarter alone and was able to set the tone for the way the game was going to go for OKC. The best thing about this Oklahoma City Thunder win tonight was the ball movement as both Russell Westbrook and Paul George had 7+ assists on the night. The Thunder were extrememly aggressive on both ends of the court and didn’t allow the Timberwolves to have easy looks at the basket. The Thunder battled in this game and were able to use the pick & pop to their advantage against smaller defenders. Overall the Thunder showed what they can do as a team as the OKC Big 3 combined for 60 on (20-49) from the field tonight. When the team is clicking on all cylinders like they did tonight the only thing that can stop this team is themselves. Steven Adams finished the game with a career high 27 points and was meshing with Paul George extrememly well. If Adams can play like this on a nightly basis no one in the NBA wouuld be able to stop OKC. Steven Adams went 11-11 from the field and hit all 5 of his free throws for a perfect game tonight.
The Timberwolves weren’t able to get the easy shots that they’re used to getting as OKC’s defense was all over them. The bright spot for the Timberwolves was Karl-Anthony Towns who had 23 points and was able to flourish on both the defensive end and offensive end. The Thunder had no answer for him but were able to slow down the rest of his teammates. The Thunder were communicating and defending with a purpose tonight against Minnesota. Once Paul George got it going from 3 point land and was able to put on a full display of his game it was tough. Wiggins, Butler, Towns combined for 68 points but didn’t have a chance to get in the grove of the game all night with Roberson and Georges defense. The Timberwolves beat OKC both of the previous times they played against one another but tonight was different. OKC played as a team and moved the ball and Minnesota was being obvious just trying to convert in the paint. The Timberwolves weren’t able to convert on a lot of open shots that they had and that resulted in OKC baskets on the other end. It’s a game of runs and the Timberwolves weren’t able to make that late game push in the 4th when they needed it the most. This time around the Thunder were the ones that got it going on the offensive end and answered the call.
The Thunder will face off against the Spurs on Sunday as they try to keep the momentum going against the Kawhi-less Spurs in OKC.
Photo Credit: SportingNews
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