Kevin Durant scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 104-100. It was the Thunder's second game in as many nights after opening the season with a Christmas day win over the Orlando Magic.
The Timberwolves took a 96-95 lead with just over three minutes remaining on a Ricky Rubio jumper. The Thunder answered back with a Russell Westbrook three point play that put the Thunder back in front for good.
Durant finished 12-23 from the field and was perfect from the free throw line in seven attempts. He also added five rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook added 28 points, six rebounds and six assists but once again struggled with turnovers. Westbrook committed seven of the Thunder's 17 in the game. James Harden came off the bench to score 16 points in 28 minutes of action.
If this game was any indication, the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be fun to watch this season under new coach Rick Adelman. There seems to be a new culture surrounding the team and there was a lot of energy in the Target Center for this game.
Michael Beasley led the Wolves with 24 points but missed a driving attempt with just three seconds left that would have tied the game. Kevin Love added 22 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. New acquisition J.J. Barea chipped in 14 points off the bench. The game was also the much anticipated debut of rookies Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio for the Timberwolves. Williams finished with 13 points and was the recipient of a couple of pin point passes from Rubio who finished with six points and six assists in 26 minutes of action.
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