The scoreboard operator will have to be on their toes when the Timberwolves and Thunder meet for the fourth time this season Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
Minnesota ranks third in the NBA in scoring at 106 points per game. The Thunder is close behind in fifth place, averaging 105 per game. The score has gotten higher in each of the first three games between the two this season, so the fourth and final regular season meeting promises to be exciting.
- Nov. 1: Wolves 100, Thunder 81
- Dec. 1: Thunder 113, Wolves 103
- Jan. 4: Thunder 115, Wolves 111
“It seems like it’s always that way,” Thunder coach and Minnesota native Scott Brooks told The Oklahoman. “With Memphis being a physical game, it’s always that way with Minnesota being just an exciting game, a close game; some terrific performances individually by players.”
The matchup between Kevin Love and Kevin Durant is sure to draw the most attention. The perennial All-Stars have been through some great battles in the past, but Durant has won two of the three matchups this season.
- Nov. 1: Love 24 points, 12 reb. / Durant 13 points, 4 reb.
- Dec. 1: Love 16 points, 12 reb. / Durant 32 points, 10 reb., 12 ast.
- Jan. 4: Love 30 points, 14 reb. / Durant 48 points, 7 reb.
The most famous game in the young history between the Wolves and Thunder came March 23, 2012. Oklahoma City won in double overtime, 149-140. Love finished with a career-high 51 points and 14 rebounds while Durant finished with 40 points and 17 rebounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbRlMKMiNak
Durant leads the NBA in scoring this season (31.1 ppg) and he’s been quite the run of late. He’s been so dominant that he’s earned himself a new nickname: “Slim Reaper.” Durant doesn’t like the nickname, but it goes to show how frightening he can be for the opposition. Love, meanwhile, could be a little slow to go after falling hard on his tailbone in Minnesota’s win over the Lakers Tuesday night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhX7_j5cflw
Minnesota won’t have small forward Corey Brewer for the game. He’s with his wife and newborn son, Sebastian. He’ll rejoin the team Friday in New Orleans.
