One of the worst performances in the history of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have built a massive lead in the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
They currently lead the Minnesota Timberwolves 65-32. While their offense has been brilliant, their defense has been absolutely stellar.
Stephen A. Smith predicted that OKC would dominate the Timberwolves if their defense played at the high level they’ve established.
And that’s exactly what they’ve done, holding the Timberwolves to one of the lowest scoring halves in playoff history.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves scored just 32 points in the first half. This is just one point behind the team record for their lowest points total in a half.
The record was set in their last series against the Golden State Warriors with 31. And overall, this ties several teams for the 7th-lowest points total in a half in NBA playoff history.
The Timberwolves’ starters combined for just 20 points, which is absolutely unacceptable. Add to that, they’ve turned the ball over 14 times.
It has been an absolute disaster start for the Timberwolves, not just because they’ve scored poorly. Minnesota has also allowed OKC to run up the numbers in the first half.
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In the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder had the best defense in the NBA. But there were questions about how it would translate to the playoffs.
Well, tonight’s performance is a prime example of just how well they’ve maintained their defensive intensity in the postseason.
It’s hard to see anybody toppling the Thunder in the playoffs with the way they’ve been playing defensively.
Can the Timberwolves bounce back in the second half? With the way they’ve played, it’s hard to see that happening.
