OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder lost another close game with the crowd mercilessly booing the officials due to a few hiccups that’ll likely be addressed in the L2M report.
At this point, the last two minute report is required reading for Thunder fans.
The biggest one involved a late inbound situation with Naz Reid and Eugene Omoruyi, where the latter was called for a loose ball foul with 4.2 seconds left. The call ruined any chance of a chaotic scramble for the ball in a two-point game.
The crowd was certainly aware of this as they rained down boos on the officials. When asked about the call, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said he was just appreciative of the officiating crew discussing the call afterward instead of being stiff about it.
It seems like Daigneault being asked about the officials has become an unwelcome new tradition for the Thunder, as referee talk dominates the discourse by fans following close losses lately.
In the end, the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves were able to escape with a 112-110 win. The Thunder finishes their season series against the Timberwolves with a 1-3 record.
Despite Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert not available due to injuries, Reid stepped up and feasted on a thin Thunder frontcourt — who were without Kenrich Williams, Darius Bazley, Ousmane Dieng, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Chet Holmgren. Reid finished with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting and nine rebounds.
Austin Rivers also contributed with 20 points and hit the dagger three against the Thunder. After being called for a couple of comedic travels in the fourth quarter, the three energized Rivers as he ran around the arena following the win.
Anthony Edwards finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Let’s take a look at Thunder player grades.