Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 22 at Oklahoma City Thunder

SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 05: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

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Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Player to Watch: Russell Westbrook

Who else could it be?

The reigning MVP was a triple-double machine last season, and he’s back to his ways this year. Westbrook had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists in the Thunder’s opener. When Westbrook is on the floor, you had better be watching.

He averaged 31.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game last season, one of the greatest individual performances over a season in recent memory for NBA fans.

Not only is he terrific in general, but the star point guard elevates his game when it matters most. Westbrook definitely has the ability to will his team to victory. According to NBA.com, Westbrook led the league in 4th quarter scoring at ten points per game. Whether Minnesota trails in the 4th or has a lead, they’ll need to pay extra attention defensively to Russell.

While it might open up opportunities for other players, I would put Jimmy Butler on Westbrook throughout the game. Wiggins will need to guard George, while Gibson can try to stick with an older Carmelo Anthony. Winning the game could start with slowing down Westbrook for the Timberwolves.

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