OKLAHOMA CITY – There was just a little over 4 minutes left in the third quarter of the Wolves' eventual 119-117 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday night and the Thunder was rolling.
Minutes before, Thunder reserve Nerlens Noel had been carted off the floor after hitting his head on the court trying to stop another Andrew Wiggins drive. Shortly thereafter, Thunder guard Dennis Schroder had induced Jeff Teague into a shoving match, forcing Teague's ejection with the Wolves down six points.
Saunders, making his NBA head coaching debut, asked if Jones was ready to play the final 16 minutes.