The Oklahoma City Thunder (1-1) will play tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1), in another meeting between two teams of the Northwestern Division.
The Thunder have the chance to bounce back immediately after last night’s loss. It will not be easy because Oklahoma City is on the second night of back to back and Minnesota have a talented team.
Last year, the Thunder won three out of four meetings against the Timberwolves.
Keys to the game
Defense – Obviously, the Thunder will have to play better offense, compared to how they did against the Jazz last night. However, the main focus should remain the defense. Minnesota has a solid starting five, everyone can score, and everyone can be a threat. Oklahoma City might think to outscore Minnesota, they definitely have the firepower to do it, but if the shots aren’t falling early, they could get in trouble.
Movement without the ball – In order to get open shots, all the players without the ball need to keep on moving. Cut to the basket, and use a screen on the weak side. The opponent will stay busy. With more players’ movement, there will be a decrease of isolation basketball, and this will improve the possibility of an open shot. Once a good shot is taken, you can easily live with the result.
Turnovers control – The Thunder will need to take better care of the ball tonight. In Utah, they turned the ball over 17 times while recording only 15 assists. Against the Knicks, on Thursday they turned it over 20 times. Most of these turnovers came from sloppy passes, or while trying too hard for a play that simply isn’t there. Taking care of the ball will help Oklahoma City to find itself in a better position to win a game against good teams.
Injury Report
Oklahoma City Thunder
- N/A
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Justin Patton (Foot)
Teams Stats
Oklahoma City Thunder
PPG 96.0 – OPP PTS 90.0
FG% 42.3 – 3PT% 31.0 – FT% 68.3
APG 20.5 – RPG 39.5 – TOV 18.5
Minnesota Timberwolves
PPG 99.5 – OPP PTS 102.0
FG% 44.0 – 3PT% 36.6 – FT% 77.6
APG 20.0 – RPG 43.0 – TOV 14.5
