Gameday preview: OKC Thunder can claim West’s top seed with win over Wolves
OKC Thunder finishes back to back set hosting Minnesota seeking a different result than last season’s debut versus Wolves. Gameday previews the match.
The OKC Thunder finish a back to back set hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves hoping to extend their current win streak to five. Recalling last season, the first meeting with the Wolves was perhaps the warning signal for how the Thunder 2017-18 campaign would end up going awry.
It was the third game of the season with the Timberwolves in OKC. In one of his highlight moments with the Thunder, Carmelo Anthony hit what appeared to be the go ahead basket in the waning moments of clutch time. With precious few seconds remaining the Wolves in-bounded to Andrew Wiggins who streaked toward the logo unimpeded to nail a Hail Mary shot from half court and steal the victory at the Peake.
Controversy over the win occurred because Karl-Anthony Towns set an illegal screen (which was more like a hockey check) on Paul George which not only allowed Wiggs his open path but also sent PG13 flying.
In many ways that game signified the struggles, the Thunder would face during the 2017-18 campaign; as if tipping over the first domino in the line.
This season the situation is almost completely reversed. Minnesota began the season mired in controversy while the Thunder have ascended up the ladder after a hiccup to start the season.
Turmoil in Minny:
The now infamous Butler preseason practice rant provided ongoing fodder for media with both sides stating their opinions. But, with the Wolves sitting at 4-9, something had to be done. A trade finally transpired to send Jimmy Butler to the 76ers while Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and Jerryd Bayless were the return for Minnesota.
In the immediate aftermath, both sides appeared happy with the Wolves winning three straight and Butler nailing two clutch time game winning buckets for the 76ers. Karl-Anthony Towns suddenly could defend — or was it simply the fact Robert Covington was a younger similar version to Jimmy Buckets with a higher end defensively?
Since then, things have cooled particularly for Minnesota. After the initial three victories, the Wolves have registered a sub .500 record going 7-9. Minny has lost six of their last seven, struggle to win on the road (2-13) and are seeded 14th in the West.
That said, no team can be taken for granted in the Association especially one which is desperate to win in their efforts to climb out of the basement.
With that, let’s look at keys to winning and the game details.