A little over midway through the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Julius Randle backed down his defender in the post and then fired a crisp kickout pass to Jaden McDaniels above the 3-point line. McDaniels had an open look at a 3 from an area of the floor that has been profitable for him.

An NBA analyst recently discussed whether Jaden McDaniels is peaking at the perfect time for the Timberwolves' playoff push.

The Lakers are riding an eight-game winning streak, bulldozing their way to the top of the West standings. Who are the threats for them in the first round?

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points ... Jalen Williams scored 27 points and Aaron Wiggins added 19 for the Thunder, who still lead the Western Conference at 46-11. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who missed three months with a pelvic fracture ...

The topics that arose most frequently involve the performance and future usage of Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley.

San Antonio Spurs (26-35, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (36-29, seventh in the Western Conference) Minneapolis; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota is looking to keep its four-game win streak intact when the Timberwolves take on San Antonio.

With the win, the Wolves snap a two-game skid and inch closer to the LA Clippers for the sixth spot in the West.

JJust when it appeared the Oklahoma City Thunder were going to run away from Minnesota like they've run away from the pack in the Western Conference standings, the Timberwolves made a stand.

The Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from 22 points down in the fourth against the west best Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to three rookies.

Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points ... 27 points and Aaron Wiggins added 19 for the Thunder, who still lead the Western Conference at 46-11. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who missed three months ...

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points ... who still lead the Western Conference at 46-11. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who missed three months with a pelvic fracture before recently ...