MINNEAPOLIS — Nerlens Noel didn't hesitate in a position most big men might think twice.
At the end of the third quarter of the Thunder's 113-101 win Friday against the Timberwolves, Noel snagged the defensive rebound, took a look at the waning clock, and made a heady play. Instead of shooting from beyond halfcourt, Noel took a dribble and passed over the head of the closing Minnesota defender.
Alex Abrines caught the pass and nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
After a rocky start in the first preseason game against Detroit, Noel hit all the right notes in a 12-point, nine-rebound, two-assist performance against Minnesota.