Oklahoma City battles shooting struggles to clinch 10th consecutive victory
Oklahoma City extended its winning streak to ten games, yet the journey was anything but smooth. As the Thunder faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, they found themselves navigating a challenging landscape. Despite their position at the top of West Group A, the path to the knockout rounds grew increasingly complex as the game unfolded. Ultimately, Oklahoma City managed to grind out a 113-105 victory in this early-season rematch of the Western Conference Finals, but the contest was far from straightforward.
Struggles from Beyond the Arc
Throughout the season, the Thunder’s shooting inconsistency has been evident, and it reached a critical point against Minnesota. The team’s struggles from three-point range were highlighted by a dismal 26.9% shooting performance, which proved detrimental. Compounding the issue was their reluctance to shoot from distance—only 26 attempts from beyond the arc added to their woes. While making just 7 of those 26 threes is already a tall order to overcome, the Timberwolves’ stellar shooting in the fourth quarter—an impressive 8-of-12 from three—made Oklahoma City’s task even more formidable.
In fact, the Thunder’s seven made threes narrowly surpassed their season-low of six and marked the second-fewest attempts for the team this season. Their performance from inside the arc was notably different; they took a robust 54 shots, reflecting a strategy that saw them prioritize two-point attempts. This marked just the third occasion this season where they attempted at least twice as many two-point shots as three-pointers.
Free Throws and a Strong Inside Game
The Thunder’s offensive strategy was further illustrated by their aggressive approach, leading to a staggering 38 free-throw attempts throughout the game. This statistic underscored their determination to penetrate the Timberwolves’ defense and capitalize on opportunities at the charity stripe, indicating that they were effectively pushed off the perimeter for much of the night.
In the face of shooting struggles, Oklahoma City showcased resilience, leveraging their ability to draw fouls and convert crucial free throws. This combination of grit and strategic adjustments ultimately propelled them to victory, allowing them to maintain their strong position in the Western Conference standings.
As the Thunder continue their pursuit of greatness, their ability to adapt and find ways to win—even when shooting woes threaten to derail their efforts—speaks volumes about the team’s character and determination.
