The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped the Oklahoma City Thunder’s seven-game winning streak with a 116-101 victory on Thursday, handing the Western Conference leaders their first loss this season in which they trailed from start to finish.
Despite missing Rudy Gobert due to back spasms, Naz Reid stepped up with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Anthony Edwards contributed 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Jaden McDaniels added 21 points as Minnesota bounced back from a narrow loss to Milwaukee the previous night.
Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 24 points and nine assists, but the Thunder never recovered from a 37-point first quarter by Minnesota. The defeat sends them into the All-Star break tied with Cleveland (44-10) for the NBA’s best record.
Around the NBA:
- Warriors 105, Rockets 98: Stephen Curry led Golden State with 27 points, including five three-pointers, as they held off a fourth-quarter rally from Houston. Jimmy Butler added 19 points for the Warriors.
- Mavericks 118, Heat 113: Dante Exum (27 points) and Max Christie (19 points) powered Dallas past Miami, despite a 40-point night from Tyler Herro. The Mavs continue to adjust after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers, with newly acquired Anthony Davis sidelined by an adductor strain.
- Pelicans 140, Kings 133 (OT): CJ McCollum erupted for 43 points, including 11 in overtime, as New Orleans ended their 10-game losing streak. Zach LaVine (32 points, 10 assists) and Domantas Sabonis (22 points, 28 rebounds) led the Kings.
- Clippers 120, Jazz 116 (OT): Norman Powell scored 41 points, including nine in overtime, while James Harden (32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) helped the Clippers rally from a 20-point deficit to defeat Utah.
With the All-Star break now here, teams will look to reset and refocus for the second half of the season as playoff battles intensify.
