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Thunder eliminated from postseason despite rout of T-wolves

Apr 16, 2015 - 5:43 AM Minneapolis, MN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Oklahoma City Thunder did their job, but they did not receive any help from the San Antonio Spurs and will now spend the playoffs watching from home.

Russell Westbrook scored 34 of his 37 points in the first half to help the Thunder to a 138-113 over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season finale for both teams.

Oklahoma City (45-37) needed a win and a New Orleans loss at home to the Spurs. The Pelicans took care of business, however, with a 108-103 win over the reigning champs.

The Thunder, who scored a season-high point total in their seventh straight win over Minnesota, will miss the postseason for the first time since 2008-09.

Westbrook secured the scoring title in the win, edging Houston's James Harden, but he sat a majority of the second half with the game well in hand.

"Obviously with the injuries and different things like that of that nature throughout the season, our team could have easily given up," Westbrook said.

Dion Waiters chipped in 33 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range and Enes Kanter went for 25 points and 15 rebounds for Oklahoma City.

Kevin Martin had a team-high 29 points for the Wolves (16-66), who finished with the NBA's worst record and will have a 25 percent chance of securing the top pick in the upcoming draft.

"The young guys played well. I'm very proud of them. I think this franchise in heading in the right direction," Martin said.

Rookie Andrew Wiggins wrapped up his first professional campaign with 23 points and six rebounds, while fellow rookie Zach LaVine recorded 19 points and 13 assists in the setback.

Oklahoma City came storming out of the gate to an 8-0 lead over the first 1:28. That was just the beginning of what turned out to be a record-setting first half for the visitors.

Westbrook scored 23 points over the initial 12 minutes and the Thunder made 68 percent of their shots. Kyle Singler knocked down a 3-pointer with just over a minute left, then Westbrook closed the first with a layup and a trey that extended Oklahoma City's lead to 47-29.

The Thunder led by as many as 25 in the second and set a franchise record for points in a half and taking a 76-54 lead at halftime.

Game Notes

OKC went 52-of-95 from the floor, including 12-of-28 from beyond the arc ... The Thunder scored 22 points off 16 turnovers ... Oklahoma City outrebounded the T-wolves 46-39 and outscored them 64-42 in the paint.