OKC Thunder: 3 keys to beating the Timberwolves
At season start, most analysts predicted the OKC Thunder would be the worst team in the West. With Sam Presti blowing up the clutch time killer group there was merit in the thinking. Especially when the VP built up a war chest of 18 potential first-round picks.
Through the quarter season, the Thunder have shocked analysts by how hard they play and consequently overachieved. The perfect example of this roster’s identity was revealed in the last contest versus Houston.
After losing by 30 points in the game prior the team lined up Wednesday without the services of two starters (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, George Hill), and lost Luguentz Dort at the nine-minute mark of the first frame.
With the Rockets on a six-game win streak, the logical thinking was the game would be over early. Instead, the next man up mentality kicked in as Darius Bazley, Kenrich Williams, and Hamidou Diallo seized their opportunity to power the Thunder to victory.
They held the Rockets to their lowest point output (87) of the season and played with a chip on their shoulders.
Next up, OKC will face inter-division rivals the Minnesota Timberwolves. They’ll play a back-to-back set against them.
With that let’s dive into the three keys…
Three keys to OKC Thunder match versus the Timberwolves
For all the preseason analysis of the Thunder being the worst in the West, it’s the Wolves who own that position.
In fairness, Karl-Anthony Towns has only played in four games. He dislocated the same wrist he previously broke two games into the season. Upon his return, he discovered he had tested positive for COVID-19 causing him to miss the last 10 games.
He could return for this game or tomorrow (Saturday). And, while it might already be too late for Minny to snare a playoff seed the play-in tournament isn’t out of reach.
OKC Thunder key no. 1 – Don’t underestimate the shorthanded team
On Thursday, the Blazers were on the road in Philly and missing Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Derrick Jones Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, and others in Philly. Ben Simmons was out for the 76ers but Joel Embiid and their core were playing. Despite the major advantage, Philly had it was Portland who went on to the easy win.
The shorthanded Thunder did the same thing versus the Rockets on Wednesday proving any team can beat another on any given night. It’s a phenomenon that’s been around forever but this season seems to be happening more than usual.
Perhaps it’s due to the pandemic and players being on lockdown. Teams on the road would presumably typically go out for dinner and possibly partake in the local nightlife. Instead, road teams are confined to the hotel. That could be why road teams are so ready and focused to play.
As per the injury report below, both teams are missing a significant portion of their core. The team that is best prepared and doesn’t assume the other will be easy prey will have the advantage.