Thunder beat Timberwolves,but still miss playoffs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Russell Westbrook scored 37 points in Oklahoma City’s 138-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night that was rendered moot by New Orleans’ playoff-clinching win over San Antonio.

The Thunder needed to a win in the regular-season finale and a loss from the Pelicans to make the playoffs. Westbrook locked up his first scoring title to hold up his end of the bargain, but the Pelicans beat the Spurs 108-103.

That means the Thunder will miss the playoffs for the first time since Westbrook’s rookie season in 2008-09.

Andrew Wiggins had 23 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves (16-66), who finished with the worst record in the league. They will have a 25 percent chance at the No. 1 draft pick when the NBA lottery is held on May 19.