Thunder 106, Timberwolves 97: Kevin Durant collected 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as host Oklahoma City thwarted Minnesota's quest to climb back above .500.

Reggie Jackson added 20 points and nine assists while Serge Ibaka had 14 points, seven boards and three blocks for the Thunder, who won for the 12th time in the last 13 games. Derek Fisher contributed 13 points off the bench and Kendrick Perkins hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City.

Ricky Rubio led the way with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Timberwolves, who were playing without All-Star Kevin Love due to soreness in his neck and back after suffering a hard fall in Tuesday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dante Cunningham started in Love’s place and recorded 18 points and eight rebounds.

Minnesota trailed 80-77 entering the fourth quarter but the Thunder opened the final period with a 13-4 run to stretch the lead to double figures. Robbie Hummel’s 3-pointer with 3:45 left cut the Timberwolves’ deficit back to 95-89 but Jackson responded with a dunk and Thabo Sefolosha hit a 3-pointer to help keep Oklahoma City in front.

The Thunder shot 54.8 percent from the field in the opening half but still took just a 56-54 lead into the break after back-to-back baskets by Durant closing the second quarter. Minnesota took a 68-66 lead on Rubio’s jumper with 5:22 left in the third but Durant scored six straight points and Oklahoma City never trailed again.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Durant, who had a 12-game streak of scoring 30 or more points come to an end on Friday, has been held below the mark in three of the last four contests. … Love received treatment before the game and was in the original starting lineup before being pulled shortly before the opening tip. … Minnesota was also without C Nikola Pekovic (ankle) and starting F Corey Brewer, who missed the game following the birth of his son.