Entire Thunder Team Steps Up In Blowout

By A. Suave Francisco

Following a sub-par performance in Oakland, CA, the Thunder turned the defense back up and Russell Westbrook received some help on the offensive end. Saturday afternoon they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-92 to improve to (5-1) on the season.

Russell Westbrook scored his inevitable 28 points, dished out 8 assists and added 6 rebounds. That always plays a monumental role in Thunder victories but the fact that three other players scored double figures significantly helps this team. 

Enes Kanter clearly forgot about the controversial game at Golden State, by getting a double-double, tallying 20 points and 10 rebounds. Steven Adams added 14 points and 8 rebounds and Victor Oladipo scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, along with his usual defensive intensity. OKC outscored the Timberwolves in the paint 70-46. 

The welcomed surprise off the bench is Semaj Christon; a guy who scored a very quiet 10 points on 50 percent shooting, with 5 assists in 19 minutes of play. For a guy whose been in OKC's system for a few years, along with going overseas for a season, it's impressive to see a still-young player like him play at this level so early in his career. Knowing that this is only the sixth game of the season makes you wonder just what this guy can do as the season progresses. 

The shooting was impressive for OKC at 52.3 percent from the field, and 43.8 percent from three. However, there are still questions circulating around their free throw shooting, something they were at the top of the league in last year. Against the Timberwolves, they shot 62.5 percent. 

The only knock on OKC's performance would be allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to score 33 points in 30 minutes, shooting 13-of-20 from the field. Other than that Oklahoma City's defense was great. Minnesota's Andrew Wiggins had a horrible night, finishing with 7 points on 3-of-13 shooting. Gorgui Dieng finished with only 8 points, but averages 11, Zach LaVine finished with four points on 1-of-6 shooting but averages 21.3 points per game. Not to mention, OKC's defense turning into offense throughout, finishing with 17 fast break points to Minnesota's 6. 

The addition of Jerami Grant has helped this team significantly on the defensive end and I have a feeling he'll turn out to be a decent offensive player. He really does remind me of a young Serge Ibaka back in his first couple of years in Oklahoma City. 

Next up will be on Monday against the Miami Heat (2-3) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. This will be Dion Waiters' first return to Oklahoma City since leaving due to free agency in the summer.