Thunder might have an emerging crisis with no trade deadline solution

The Thunder need to push the pace, or they could be left in the dust in intense matchups.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Clippers | Luke Hales/GettyImagesIt's getting difficult to wave away these losses. The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off a dominant, feisty win over the New Orleans Pelicans, were blown out of the water by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

They trailed by double digits virtually from tip-off, losing the game by a final score of 111-123. Minnesota came out ready to play, attacking on both ends of the court with playoff-level intensity, and the Thunder did not.

In some ways, this is a good thing for a championship-caliber team. The regular season will hold its…