Thunder with the close win against T'Wolves, 122-119
GAME RECAP | GAME STORY | TEAM STATSPlayer of the Game: Russell Westbrook (47 PTS, 2 REB,11 AST, 3 STL and 2 BLK)
Thunder Down Under: Nick Collison (14 PTS, 21 REB - 5 OFF, 2 AST and 4 BLK)
Thunder Protector: Kevin Durant (28 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL and 1 BLK)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - After sweeping the Clippers with his 53 point-performance, Russell Westbrook again took the Thunder and coasted for a win. This one was all due to him. After trailing for so long, they finally took the lead with 3:26 left in the fourth quarter. Then typical things happened. Westbrook stole the ball, ran up the court and dunked on the contesting Ricky Rubio.
It was one of those games that the Thunder absolutely have the ability to pull away early, but did not convert. Thus, they heavily relied on their stars to propel them. Aside from that, it was definitely a game to remember for the Thunder's oldest and classic role guy, Nick Collison. He tied his career-high in rebounding with 21, while scoring 14, a season-high. Throwback match I guess.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was still in a shooting slump, making only 10 of his 22 field goals, but still scoring 28 points and was big during clutch-time. With 20 seconds left, Durant received a pass from the double-teamed Westbrook and nailed the jumper from 18 feet away. 120-119. On the next Minnesota possession, they went for Pekovic, but the ball met Ibaka's palms. A clutch-block. Immediately, Kevin Martin grabbed the rebound and was intentionally fouled, and made both free throws. Good game, well played.
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