The Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota: A Rivalry on the Court: Basketball fans around the world have witnessed some of the greatest rivalries in the NBA’s history. One of the lesser-known, but still competitive rivalries is between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the two teams are not in the same division, they have a history of intense games and memorable moments on the court.
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The History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Thunder and Timberwolves can be traced back to the early days of the Thunder franchise. When the team was known as the Seattle SuperSonics, they had a heated matchup against the Timberwolves in the 2004 NBA playoffs. The series went to seven games, with the Timberwolves ultimately coming out on top. This loss may have been a factor in SuperSonics’ relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Throughout the years, several key players have contributed to the intensity of the Thunder-Timberwolves rivalry. One of the most notable players is Kevin Durant, who played for the Thunder from 2007-2016. Durant had some memorable games against the Timberwolves, including a 48-point performance in 2015.
Another player who has contributed to the rivalry is Karl-Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves. Towns are known for his dominant post-play and have had some impressive performances against the Thunder, including a 35-point game in 2019.
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Memorable Moments
The Thunder and Timberwolves have had some unforgettable moments in their matchups over the years. In 2016, the Thunder and Timberwolves played in one of the highest-scoring games in NBA history, with the Thunder winning 139-126.
Another memorable moment was in 2018 when Thunder guard Russell Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double in multiple seasons. He accomplished this feat against the Timberwolves in a game where he had 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists.
Conclusion:
The rivalry between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves may not be as well-known as other NBA rivalries, but it has provided fans with some exciting games and memorable moments. With new players and matchups each season, this rivalry is sure to continue to be a competitive and entertaining one on the court.