THUNDER HOPE TO LEARN FROM LOSING LESSON

Oklahoma City aim to bounce back against Brooklyn after close defeat in previous game

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BROOKLYN - Because of their dominance for most of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season, the Oklahoma City Thunder rarely play close games or wilt in the fourth quarter.

That scenario unfolded against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb 24, resulting in a three-point overtime loss.

Two nights later, the Thunder will attempt to avoid taking consecutive losses for only the second time this season when they visit the Brooklyn Nets.

With 46 wins in 57 games, Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City have played in only five games that were decided by five points or fewer.

The Thunder played consecutive single-digit margin games against the Timberwolves, earning a 130-123 win in Minnesota on Feb 23 before taking a 131-128 overtime home loss the following night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander piled up 39 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists but missed a tying three-pointer with 2.9 seconds left in overtime.

He also missed a potential game-winning basket with 3.9 seconds left in regulation.

"It hurts in the moment," the Thunder guard said.

"But we have (25) games left. The 82-game season is an opportunity to get better 82 times.