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Duke basketball in NBA: Austin Rivers strikes against Thunder

The former Duke basketball star was clutch in the end for the Timberwolves.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball in NBA: Austin Rivers strikes against Thunder
Duke basketball in NBA: Austin Rivers strikes against Thunder /
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In his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, 2011-12 Duke basketball one-and-done Austin Rivers is averaging a career-low 3.8 points across his 19 games. But the 30-year-old, in his fourth start of the year, brought his A-game to the team's 112-110 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.

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With 11.2 seconds remaining on the clock, he drained the game's biggest shot, a contested 3-pointer from the corner to give Minnesota a 111-107 lead.

That was not his only highlight in helping the shorthanded Timberwolves (14-15) snap a three-game losing streak (all away from home) and jump to No. 10 in the Western Conference standings.

Austin Rivers finished with 20 points against the Thunder, marking his first double-digit scoring outing this season, in addition to three rebounds and one assist while shooting 6-for-7 from the field, 4-for-5 from deep, and 4-for-4 from the foul line.

And on the other end of the floor, he tallied a career-high five steals in his 31 minutes of action.

Minnesota's other Duke basketball alum, rookie forward Wendell Moore Jr., did not score in seven minutes as a reserve but tallied three assists and a steal. After spending most of October and November stuck on the bench or in the G League, the No. 26 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft has played in each of the team's past 10 games.

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The Timberwolves now have one day off before hosting the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. ET Sunday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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