The Minnesota Timberwolves showed signs of major progress from last season's 17-65 campaign before ultimately falling 104-100 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night at the Target Center.
Michael Beasley led Minnesota with 24 points on 11-27 shooting while Kevin Love added 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Meanwhile, second overall draft pick Derrick Williams came off the bench to add 13 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes while Ricky Rubio contributed 6 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 26 minutes off the bench.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook predictably starred in the win for Oklahoma City, scoring 33 and 28 points respectively. The other three starters for the Thunder, Thabo Sefolosha, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, combined to score just 14 points.
The Timberwolves stayed close throughout despite converting just 3-22 three-pointers after making 53.8 % of their long-range attempts in two preseason wins over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Timberwolves head to the road to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday evening before returning home for five games, starting with last year's NBA finalists Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks.