Thunder 104, Timberwolves 100
Kevin Durant had 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged host Minnesota 104-100 Monday, beating the Timberwolves for the 10th consecutive time.
Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 61 points to pace the Thunder, who spoiled the NBA debuts of point guard Ricky Rubio and forward Derrick Williams.
With the Thunder holding a slim lead for most of the final quarter, Minnesota evened things at 98 on a Michael Beasley dunk with 2:01 remaining.
Kendrick Perkins followed with the go-ahead layup for the Thunder, and Westbrook drew a foul on the following possession after Beasley missed a potential game-tying 11-footer.
After Westbrook made both free throws, Williams made a layup and Westbrook missed a 14-footer on the other end, giving the Timberwolves one final chance to tie it. Beasley missed a short jumper and Oklahoma City recovered possession to ice it.
Beasley had 24 points while Kevin Love added 22 points and 12 rebounds. Williams finished with 13 points while Rubio had six points, six assists and five boards.