It was a big game for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, and the fans in Chesapeake Energy Arena knew it. The Thunder hosted the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves team in front of a sellout crowd of more than 18,000 fans. It was a battle of a couple of All-Stars on Sunday. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George on the one side, against Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler on the other side. Both teams entered Sunday's game with a 1-1 record so far in the season.
Timberwolves pull out a stunning win
It was a great game from the opening tip, as teams went back-and-forth and put on a great performance for the fans.
The Timberwolves took an early 17-12 lead and held a 28-23 lead after the first 12 minutes of the game. Oklahoma regained the lead at 41-40 midway through the second quarter, but Minnesota was still in front by seven points at halftime (61-54). The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder 27-21 in the third quarter, and it seemed they are on their way to an easy victory. Heading into the final quarter of the game, the Wolves held an 88-75 lead. But the Thunder didn't quit, as they rallied back in the final period of the game.
With five seconds left to go in the game and the Wolves leading 112-110, Carmelo Anthony hit a three-pointer to give the Thunder 113-112 lead. But the Timberwolves had one last possession, with less than five seconds left in the game.
Andrew Wiggins took the ball, and his desperation three-pointer banked in as time expired to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a stunning, 115-113 victory.
Minnesota shot 50 percent from the field in this one, including 10-of-25 from the three-point land. They outrebounded Oklahoma 45-36 and finished the game with 25 team assists.
The Wolves shot 19-of-23 from the free-throw line.
Wiggins leads the way for the Wolves
Andrew Wiggins once again proved to be the match-winner for the Timberwolves. He finished the game with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He shot 10-of-20 from the field and made the game-winning shot. Karl-Anthony Towns was also great for Minnesota, as he finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds.
Jeff Teague added 19 points and nine assists.
For the Thunder, it was Russell Westbrook with 31 points who led them in scoring on Sunday. Westbrook also added 10 assists and five rebounds, but it wasn't enough in the end. Carmelo Anthony contributed with 23 points, while Steven Adams added 17 points and 13 rebounds.
The Timberwolves' next game is on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. Oklahoma's next game is on Wednesday, as they also face the Pacers.
