Timberwolves aim to secure season series vs. Thunder
The Minnesota Timberwolves are having success against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, although heading into Sunday's road game between the teams, center Rudy Gobert wants his side to be more like the defending champions.
"I think OKC is actually a great example of what we want to be in terms of their mindset," Gobert said. "I'm not talking about talent. I'm just talking about their mindset of just giving yourself away to the team and just letting the game take care of itself."
"They're a team that plays hard every night, regardless of who is on the floor, and for 48 minutes. And I think this is exactly the test that we need, so I'm excited about that."
The Timberwolves come into the game, the last of a four-game road trip, off a 10-point win at Golden State.
Minnesota star Anthony Edwards scored 42 points against the Warriors despite being listed as questionable with right knee soreness.
That win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Timberwolves.
In three meetings with Oklahoma City this season, Edwards is averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
The Timberwolves have won two of those three matchups after falling to the Thunder in five games during last season's Western Conference finals.
Minnesota comes into the game in a tight bunch of teams that sit between third through seventh place in the Western Conference.
Gobert said Minnesota would have to be sharper against Oklahoma City after it built a big lead early and then had to hold on late against Golden State.
"When we feel that thing creeping in, we have to lift each other up," Gobert said. "It starts individually, and then it becomes collective. We just got to help each other out, and hold each other accountable. ... We're trying to play for a championship, so there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to do that."
The Thunder have won seven in a row, their longest winning streak since a 16-game streak during their 24-1 start.
Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points in Thursday's 104-102 win over the Boston Celtics. Gilgeous-Alexander topped the 20-point mark for the 127th consecutive game, breaking a record set by WIlt Chamberlain more than 60 years ago.
"Human nature is that you have success and you ease a little bit," Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said of Gilgeous-Alexander. "He's the opposite. He tastes it and wants more. He goes back for seconds."
Gilgeous-Alexander has also worked to keep his teammates involved. Over the last two games, he has averaged 12 assists.
"It's not just me out there being great," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "It's the rest of the group and we've accomplished things because of that -- everybody knowing their role and executing at a high level."
Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30 points in each of the Thunder's three matchups against Minnesota this season.
The game is the last of a four-game homestand for Oklahoma City, which will play its next five games on the road.