OKC Thunder's Win Over the Timberwolves Restores Confidence After Losing Skid

With 1:19 left in the fourth quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves were in the middle of a battle between the two highest-seeded teams in the Western Conference. 

The score was 94-93 Minnesota, but Oklahoma City's superstar point guard brought the ball up confidently across the Timberwolves logo.

An intimidating defender, in the form of Jaden McDaniels, stood firmly behind the 3-point line as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached it. Likely anticipating a drive from one of the league's best, McDaniels backed up, but Gilgeous-Alexander smartly opted for a step-back three.

Although time remained in the contest, the shot ultimately sealed Minnesota's fate, and the Thunder went on to pull out a 102-97 victory. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points on the night, including 11 in the fourth quarter

Oklahoma City had been enduring a bit of a rough stretch in Los Angeles, falling short to both the Lakers and Clippers on back-to-back nights. The offense slowed down dramatically against the Lakers, while it struggled to close out against the Clippers.

In an incredibly tight race for the top spot in the West, every win matters. Saturday became even more important, and the Thunder winning puts itself right back where it had been throughout the season.

Now Oklahoma City only falls behind Minnesota by one game, and it has a prime opportunity in the next week to reach the No. 1 seed. It plays the 12-29 Trail Blazers on Tuesday, and follows by playing the 8-34 San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Both of those opponents have struggled massively throughout the season, and winning both sets itself up to jump over the Timberwolves. 

Questions arose when the Thunder lost to formidable opponents in the West about how legitimate its championship-contending status is, and suggestions of making trades to upgrade its roster began circling.

However, defeating the Timberwolves rebuilds the confidence that Oklahoma City previously had. It will more than likely ride out the rest of the season with a similar roster, and see where its youth can go in its first true test in the playoffs.

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