Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Kevin Durant kept his amazing streak going by pouring in 32 points to help the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder take a 109-107 decision over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center.
Durant Keeps Scoring Streak Alive, Thunder Top T’Wolves 109-107
Durant, the NBA's second-leading scorer, is the only active player to score at least 25 points in 28 straight games. The third-year forward out of Texas surpassed Allen Iverson, who reached the magic number in 27 consecutive contests during his MVP season in 2000-2001. Durant now has his sights set on legend Michael Jordan, who scored 25-plus points in 40 straight games during the 1986-87 season.
Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won nine in a row for the first time since the 2004-05 campaign. Jeff Green tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which has also won five straight games on the road.
"We didn't do a good job of closing the game out but we made enough plays to win the game," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.
Kevin Love finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds off the bench for the Timberwolves, who have lost six consecutive games since a four-game win streak. Jonny Flynn chipped in 19 points and five assists. Damien Wilkins and Corey Brewer each ended with 18 points for Minnesota, which fell to 9-20 at home this season.
Minnesota scored the first eight points of the fourth to grab a two-point edge. Brewer’s long jumper had the Timberwolves in front 88-86 with 8:16 to play.
Oklahoma City took control by scoring the next 11 points. Green’s jam had the visitors ahead 97-88 with just under four minutes remaining.
Wilkins’ three-pointer and layup had Minnesota within four, but Durant came up with a rare four-point play to give the Thunder a 101-93 lead with 2:17 to go.
Oklahoma City made all eight of its foul shots down the stretch to seal the victory.
"Again, it turns into the little things for us," Minnesota head coach Kurt Rambis said. "It's always the little things; one opportunity here, a turnover there, a missed shot here. It just sort of snowballs for us."
The Thunder jumped out to an early lead, starting the game on a 24-8 run. However, Minnesota went on to score the final eight points of the period to get within 30-23 after 12 minutes.
Oklahoma City outscored the Timberwolves, 32-28, in the second to take a 62-51 lead into halftime.
Minnesota hung around in the third and scored the last five points of the quarter to cut the gap to 86-80 heading to the fourth.
Oklahoma City defeated Minnesota, 94-92, back on January 20 at the Target Center and has won 10 of the last 13 matchups between the clubs...The Thunder made 22-of-23 foul shots, while the Timberwolves went 15-of-21 from the charity stripe.
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