Battle of Up and Comers?

Defeating the Knicks was without a doubt the game of the year for Oklahoma City. Of course if we are talking about 2009 then there is a very small sample size to pick from but you get the point. The Thunder did everything right and very little wrong in the 107-99 New York dismantling.

The last-second loss to Denver is just a distant memory now as OKC played a complete game without the normal fourth quarter meltdown. That doesn't mean things were smooth, but the home team is riding high after an emotional four game stretch.

Kevin Durant again saved his club in the fourth, pouring home six points in the final eight minutes after NY had trimmed the deficit to two. Jeff Green picked up the scoring slack by matching Durant's game-high 27 and knocking down three triples in the process.

Adding a spark inside, Joe Smith made what could be one of his final Thunder appearances. New center Nenad Krstic was cleared to play but didn't see action against the Knicks. Smith hadn't played since Dec. 27, but he contributed key minutes in the fifth OKC victory. 

Not to take the possible trade momentum away from Smith, but tonight marks possibly the most important test for the Thunder. Fellow member of the under ten-win club, Minnesota, welcomes OKC in what could be considered a future-stars contest.

The Timberwolves are winners of three straight and have righted the ship recently. They return home after winning two road games, more than the Thunder have all season. Breaking the series tie will come down to two factors, both residing in the backcourt. 

Russell Westbrook will be tested to live up to his potential Rookie of the Year status, as the T-Wolves present match-up problems. Minnesota's point guard, Randy Foye, struggled to find his shot in the previous contests, but he has been a catalyst during the current streak. Westbrook has to provide tough defense, or the game could get ugly in a hurry.

Desmond Mason exploded in the first half against the Knicks, and he will be called upon to add that from his shooting guard role. I have been advocating a trade (see Smith to Chicago) for a shooter, but Mason could very well be the answer. Another strong statement tonight goes a very long way to silencing the critics and giving OKC two wins in a row for the first time.