Oklahoma City Thunder stunned by Minnesota Timberwolves, 96-86

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s three-game winning streak was halted by the Minnesota Timberwolves 96-86, Friday night.

Oklahoma City squandered a five-point halftime lead, and was held to just 32% second-half shooting in a surprising road loss to the streaking young Timberwolves.

Russell Westbrook garnered triple-double #19 on the season (one more than his total from last year) with 21 points, 11 reb, and 12 asts. However, the NBA’s leading scorer turned the ball over a total of ten times, while shooting just 1-of-10 from three, and 1-of-13 FGA in the second half.

Overall, the Thunder committed 18 turnovers, and produced a less than desirable FG/3P split of 38/15 vs. their Northwest Division foe. Victor Oladipo (19) and Enes Kanter (21) joined Westbrook in double-figure scoring; however, the rest of OKC was limited to 25 points.

For a streaking Timberwolves squad, which has won three straight, Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 29 points, 17 rebs, and three blocks. Meanwhile, Ricky Rubio dished 14 assists to go along with 14 points, and Andrew Wiggins added 19 points.

As the final horn sounded, the Timberwolves claimed a third-consecutive victory for the first time throughout a trying campaign. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s bunch ranks sixth in defensive rating over the past 15 games, and has improved to 14-26 on the season.

Oklahoma City dropped the opener of what will be a six-game road trip. The Thunder came in to Minnesota two nights after avenging a 114-80 setback to Memphis, yet could not generate offense in the second half of a low-scoring affair.

The 24-17 Oklahoma City Thunder next play Sunday vs. the Sacramento Kings.