After losing to the Timberwolves in Minnesota earlier this season, the Thunder exacted revenge in the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday night. The team ran away with the game in the second half, and earned their 26th victory of the season with a final score of 106-84.
The Timberwolves were without Kevin Love and J.J. Barea, but Ricky Rubio tried his best to lead his team against the defending Western Conference champions. Thunder Coach Scott Brooks’ crew proved to be too much, however, for the short-handed Minnesota team.
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 26 points, followed closely by Russell Westbrook with 23. Durant added eight rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. Westbrook also had eight assists and dished out seven assists as well. Kevin Martin, who has been struggling of late, seemed to find his rhythm from beyond the arc. Martin went 4-7 from long distance and finished the game with 19 points.
The bench play of the Thunder was crucial in this one. OKC’s bench outscored the Minnesota bench 39-24, and they also had the advantage in fast break points as well. The relief big men were really able to contribute in this game. Nick Collison had six points, four rebounds, and a steal. Hasheem Thabeet put up an additional four point, and two steals in 14 minutes.
Next up, the Thunder will travel west to take on the Los Angeles Lakers friday night at 9:30 p.m.