The Oklahoma City Thunder toppled the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-123. It was a back-and-forth game, with multiple lead changes. This win against a tough conference rival will bolster the Thunder as they enter into the final stretch of the season with the best record in the NBA. But there's no doubt they had to work for this massive win.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander expanded his MVP case with 37 points (13-24 FG), eight rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and three steals. Chet Holmgren continues to improve after another strong out with 19 points (8-11 FG), four rebounds, one assist, and three blocks. Jalen Williams had 18 points (6-14 FG), three rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and one block.
Anthony Edwards had a strong game with 29 points (8-20 FG), nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Naz Reid continued his great season, putting up 22 points (6-18 FG), 11 rebounds, two assists, and four blocks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker came off the bench to put up 18 points (6-12 FG), two rebounds, and two assists.
This win marks the Thunder's 45th win of the season. They have a 45-10 record, the best in the entire league, and are 9-1 in their last 10 games. Ironically, their last loss came against the Timberwolves just a few days ago. But they have clearly put that loss in the rearview mirror.
With all that being said, here are three key takeaways from the Thunder's win over the Timberwolves.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a brilliant night shooting the ball. They converted 55.8% of their shots from the field (48-86 FG), and 54.3% of their attempts from deep (19-35 3-PM). These numbers, both from the field and beyond the arc, are truly staggering and show just how formidable the Thunder are.
This season, the Thunder ranked ninth in three-pointers made with 788 shots sunk from deep. They rank 11th in the league for three-point percentage with 36.3% of their shots going in. Lastly, they rank 10th in the NBA for most three-pointers attempted in a game with 38.8 shots made from range.
Their clinical nature from beyond the arc is one of the biggest reasons for their success this year. And if they can replicate these types of shooting performances frequently in the playoffs, they might be able to win the NBA championship, as they are already one of the strongest contenders this season.
It wasn't just the Thunder's offensive potency that won them the game tonight. They did a solid job on the defensive end. The Thunder combined for eight blocks as a team tonight. On top of that, they also had nine steals against the Timberwolves. Their advantage in size, fielding two seven-footers on the court at the same time in Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Harternstein, helped them stifle the Timberwolves.
The Thunder are the best defensive team in the NBA, leading the league with a defensive rating of 105.8. They also lead the league in steals per game with 10.1, and rank fifth in blocks per game with 5.7. The Thunder are arguably the most complete team in the NBA this year.
Defense wins championships, and the Thunder have the best defense in the league. Pair that with one of the best offenses in the NBA and you have a recipe for championship gold. But the Thunder's biggest concern will be their inexperience on the big stage.
One of the best things about the Oklahoma City Thunder is how well they pass the ball. And they showed that tonight, collectively dishing out 32 assists. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 17 assists just between the two of them, setting up a little under 33% of the team's total shots.
This was an overdelivery from the Thunder tonight, as they rank 11th in the NBA for assists per game with 26.5 Coach Mike Daigneault will be hoping the team can continue this level of passing for the remainder of the season and their playoff run, as it will allow the Thunder to use their depth and range of offensive players adequately
The Thunder can play any team off the court if they pass the ball frequently and play the right way. Gilgeous-Alexander is a high-usage player, so his assist numbers being this high is a sign of how much he trusts his teammates, and how the rest of the squad can convert their chances well.
The Thunder were able to avenge what was a humiliating loss to the Timberwolves last week. This level of hunger and motivation must be consistent during the playoffs if OKC wants to make a deep run in the playoffs and maybe even reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
However, can the Thunder do it all over again tomorrow night? They play the Timberwolves once again tomorrow night at 8 PM EST in their final game against them for the season. This time they play at home, and will want to solidify a season-series win over the Timberwolves, boosting them up 3-1 for the campaign.
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