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Timberwolves Outpaced by Thunder's Lightning Offense at Paycom Center

The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a record of 26-11, faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, also holding a 25-11 record. In a high-scoring affair, the Timberwolves fell short as the final score read 129-106 in favor of the home team.


SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 23: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves brings the ball up court against the Sacramento Kings on December 23, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Timberwolves started strong with an impressive first quarter, putting up 35 points to the Thunder's 40. However, they couldn't sustain this offensive output throughout the game. The second quarter saw them add only 25 points to their tally while allowing the Thunder to extend their lead with another 26 points. Post-halftime didn't bring much respite for Minnesota as they managed to score just 31 points in comparison to Oklahoma City's dominant performance of scoring 36 points in the third quarter. The final period was particularly tough for Minnesota; they scored a mere 15 points against Oklahoma City's relentless attack that added another 27.


Despite being on offense for nearly one minute less than their opponents over the course of play (103 possessions), Minnesota struggled defensively and could not contain Oklahoma City’s sharpshooters who boasted an effective field goal percentage of seventy-two percent and converted forty-six percent from beyond the arc.


Minnesota’s offensive efforts were led by their bench contributing thirty points and twelve three-pointers made at an accuracy rate of forty-four percent. They also showed proficiency from free throw line making twenty-six out of thirty-two attempts which translates into eighty-one percent accuracy but it wasn’t enough to bridge or maintain any substantial lead – their largest being only three points during a brief time leading that lasted under one minute.


On defense, however, there was little resistance offered by Minnesota who recorded just one block throughout four quarters compared to seven from Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves did manage eight steals but ultimately gave up fifty-eight paint-points on fifty-five percent shooting inside by Thunder players.


Looking ahead after this setback on court, fans can mark their calendars for an upcoming encounter where Minnesota will host Dallas Mavericks at Target Center located in Minneapolis on December twenty-eighth at seven PM Central Time. This game will be broadcasted locally on BSNX channel six hundred sixty-eight dash one ensuring supporters won’t miss any action from home turf.

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