NBA on Jan. 12: OKC get revenge on Spurs

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In their second game in three days, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-112 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday, getting vengeance for the 147-154 loss on Thursday. Meanwhile, in a contest between two giants, Karl-Anthony Towns helped the Minnesota Timberwolves claimed victory over Anthony Davis and his New Orleans Pelicans 110-106.

Thunder take a rare team victory

Players of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after their team beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-112 on January 12. /VCG Photo

OKC's Russell Westbrook scored the team's high of 24 points plus 10 rebounds and seven assists. Paul George dropped a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds and another five players on the team scored double-digits, including 19 by Dennis Schroder who also put down six assists and four steals, 15 from Abdel Nader who made all his six shots, 13 by Patrick Patterson and 12 from both Steven Adams and Jerami Grant.

Marco Belinelli came from the bench and dropped San Antonio's high of 24 points by making four of his six three-pointers. Three from the team's first-lineup, DeMar DeRozan (18 points), LaMarcus Aldridge (17 points) and Bryn Forbes (14 points) though scored double-digits but none of them breached 20.

LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots in the game against the Thunder in the game on January 12. /VCG Photo

In their last game, the Spurs took a very tough win after two overtimes even with their ridiculous 3-pt shooting (16/19) and Aldridge's career-high 56 points. On Saturday, the team had neither but still managed to finish the first half leading 60-51. Their secret was in rebounds, which San Antonio led 38-22 and the Thunder's disappointing field goal rate of 38.6 percent. Westbrook even missed 10 of his 11 shots.

However, things began to change in the third quarter as OKC became more aggressive in defense via double teaming, forcing seven turnovers by the Spurs in this quarter alone. By contrast, the Spurs committed six turnovers in the first half. The opponent losing the ball gave Oklahoma City more transition offense which led to a 35-20 in the third quarter.

Dennis Schroder #17 of the Thunder drives to the rim in the game against the Spurs on January 12. /VCG Photo

In the last quarter, Schroder, who became hot with his hands, began to help the Thunder expand their lead by sinking four shots in a row. By contrast, without steady 3-pt shooting, the Spurs not only failed to narrow down the score difference, but also had to watch OKC's players take easy points in early offense after their opponent missed shots. In the end, San Antonio missed the opportunity to get closer to top 4 of the Western Conference.

Towns wins in competition against Davis

Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves blocks a shot by Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the game that Minnesota defeat New Orleans 110-106 on January 12. /VCG Photo

Minnesota's Towns dropped the team's high of 27 points and 27 rebounds - also the most rebounds for one player so far this season - plus three steals and four blocks. Andrew Wiggins has struggled with his shooting but scored 18 points and seven rebounds. Tyus Jones and Dario Saric from the bench both put down 14 points.

New Orleans had three players who scored over 20 points: Davis dropped 30 points and 14 rebounds while Julius Randle took a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Jrue Holiday also put down 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists. However, other than the above three, only Elfrid Payton scored double digits (10 points).

Jrue Holiday #11 of the Pelicans shoots in the game against the Timberwolves on January 12. /VCG Photo

The Pelicans had the advantage in the paint in the first quarter as they took 18 rebounds, including six offense rebounds in this quarter, seven of which came from Davis. Meanwhile, the team also delivered four blocks to bring down Minnesota's FG rate to only 38.71 percent. However, thanks to seven of their own turnovers, New Orleans only points (29-27) came after this quarter.

The Timberwolves in the second quarter continued their nearly obsessive shooting of three-pointers despite the fact that they missed nine of their 10 attempts in the first quarter and their efforts paid off through 45.45 percent of 3-pt rate (out of 11 tries). However, the team, like New Orleans in the last quarter, committed unnecessary six turnovers which limited their lead to only two points (52-54) after the first half.

Towns #32 of the Timberwolves dunks in the game against the Pelicans on January 12. /VCG Photo

In the third quarter, the Pelicans launched a counterstrike with a dominant 66.75 for FG rate thanks to eight points by Randle in addition to nine assists by the whole team. Though the Timberwolves remained at 50 percent in field goals, their disappointing 25 percent in 3-pointers (out of 12 attempts) made the team trail again 87-89.

Towns showed his dominance in the last quarter with nine points, six rebounds and two blocks that refused shots by Davis. Both sides struggled with their scoring in the last minute when Jones stood out to make two free throws, helping the Timberwolves seal the win. The Pelicans had to see their three-straight winning trend come to an end.

Other games on Saturday included: (away teams come first)

Detroit Pistons 109-104 Los Angeles Clippers

Memphis Grizzlies 108-112 Miami Heat

Boston Celtics 103-105 Orlando Magic

Denver Nuggets 93-102 Phoenix Suns

Charlotte Hornets 97-104 Sacramento Kings

Chicago Bulls 102-110 Utah Jazz