OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves Preview: clash of division rivals each seeking to improve chemistry
Following an eye opening loss in Utah, the OKC Thunder look to get back on track in an inter division contest versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For the OKC Thunder it’s been a week of firsts. The OK3 appeared in their inaugural home opener at Chesapeake Arena in front of the adoring Thunder Nation.
This netted a relatively easy victory despite uneven play.
OKC followed up the victory with two more premiere events- a road game and the first loss this season. For as much as the OKC Thunder rank among the league’s best defenses, the defeat was a lesson in humility. Although this reformulated Thunder crew has lofty goals and limitless potential, clearly there are numerous tweaks to be applied.
Which brings us to another first to close out the premiere week of the 2017-18 season. OKC will play their initial back-to-back game of the young season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 1-1. Here's how all their players have fared in TPA thus far: pic.twitter.com/ZFXmwoYRpm
— NBA Math (@NBA_Math) October 22, 2017
The Thunder’s opponent is Northwest foe Minnesota Timberwolves. Like the OKC Thunder, the T-Wolves had a busy summer also landing an Eastern Conference All-Star. In a surprising draft night deal top 2-way talent Jimmy Butler was acquired by his former Bulls coach Tom Thiibodeau.
Coach Thibs isn’t fond of losing, so once Butler was in hand, he immediately got to work adding vets with exact specialties. Thibs vision undoubtedly is veterans who can serve as catalysts to bring out the best versions of his two budding stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. In a sign of basketball nepotism Thibs brought in players he had success with in Chicago.
No longer the TimberPups, Minnesota’s roster shuffle realigns them closer to the NBA average age. This wasn’t the coaches only goal. Minnesota had no problems scoring last year. Rather, it was their atrocious defense which kept them far from the playoff seeds.
The hopes are this season Minnesota will make a long awaited return to the postseason after a 13 year absence.
As for the Thunder, Russell Westbrook enters the match having collected more turnovers than points in Utah. Expect the Brodie to be amped to face Jeff Teague, as he looks to get his team back on track (read: when is the last time Westbrook had back-to-back bad games?)
With that let’s break it down:
Key changes to the Wolves Roster:
Outgoing:
- Zach LaVine
- Chris Dunn
- Ricky Rubio
- Brandon Rush
- Jordan Hill
- Adreian Payne
Incoming:
- Jimmy Butler
- Taj Gibson
- Jamal Crawford
- Aaron Brooks
- Justin Patton (rookie)