Even after holding a 25-point lead, Mark Daigneault and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder fell 131-128 in time beyond regulation to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Regardless of the loss, Daigneault gave props to the Timberwolves stating, “They stored enjoying and ran during the sport, and that was a fantastic comeback by them. In order that they should win. So far as us, I assumed defensively within the second half we simply weren’t as sharp as we have been early within the third quarter.”
Determined to salvage the sport, a fatigued Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the rim, just for Anthony Edwards to disclaim him with a superbly timed block on the potential game-winner. It was essentially the most crushing of a number of missed alternatives for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in a disastrous closing 17 minutes.
With out Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder reverted to their most regularly used beginning lineup, with Cason Wallace stepping in. That unit has been among the many league’s most dominant, and it confirmed early because the Thunder jumped out to a 32-28 lead after the opening quarter.
The Thunder developing quick in opposition to the Timberwolves
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder dominated the second quarter, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander making his presence felt with 20 first-half factors. A commanding 32-17 run prolonged their result in 64-45 at halftime. Every thing was clicking for OKC, displaying no indicators of fatigue.
By the break, Mark Daigneault and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder regarded properly on their method to securing a back-to-back sweep. They stored their offensive rhythm within the third quarter, including 38 factors. Nonetheless, their protection began to slide, particularly after Isaiah Hartenstein left early with a facial contusion. The Minnesota Timberwolves took benefit, placing up 35 factors within the quarter.
As much as that time, it was merely an change of baskets. The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 102-80 lead, seemingly on observe for a simple victory. However then, the unthinkable occurred—a meltdown of historic proportions.
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The Timberwolves methodically chipped away on the deficit. By the top of the fourth quarter, they’d erased OKC’s lead utterly. The Timberwolves leaned on its bench, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Rob Dillingham spearheading the comeback.
In time beyond regulation, with 22 seconds remaining, Naz Reid sank two free throws to offer the Timberwolves a 129-128 edge. Out of a timeout, the Thunder turned to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a possible game-winner, however Anthony Edwards swooped in from the assistance facet to disclaim his shot.
Shannon Jr. hauled within the rebound, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin—iced the sport with two essential free throws. Within the closing seconds, Edwards locked in on Gilgeous-Alexander as soon as extra, contesting his last-second three-point try, which missed the mark, securing Minnesota’s gorgeous comeback win.
Seeking to bounce again in opposition to the Nets
Regardless of a mixed 66 factors from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder noticed their six-game dwelling successful streak finish at Paycom Middle. Whereas their high spot within the Western Convention stays safe, they’ll intention to remain sharp over the ultimate 25 video games of a formidable season.
Having prevented consecutive losses since November, Mark Daigneault and the Thunder will look to bounce again in opposition to a struggling Brooklyn Nets crew that has dropped 5 of its final six conferences with them.