By: Kwame Bediako
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 with a commanding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar 34-point performance, the Thunder overwhelmed their opponents from the opening tip, establishing a dominant lead early and never looking back. The victory caps off a remarkable series win, with Oklahoma City taking the series 4-1 and cementing their return to the league’s biggest stage.
The Thunder’s success was fueled by standout performances across the roster, including Chet Holmgren, who contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, and Jalen Williams, who added 19 points and eight rebounds. The team’s chemistry and resilience reflected their rebuilding journey from near the bottom of the standings just four years ago.
The passionate fanbase, which endured the loss of Kevin Durant in 2016 and a lengthy rebuild, celebrated loudly as the team’s bench players entered the game with over five minutes remaining, capping a historic night.
Oklahoma City’s explosive start set the tone for the game, with the team opening on an 11-3 run and extending their lead throughout the first quarter, ending with a 26-9 advantage. The momentum carried into halftime, with the Thunder holding a commanding 65-32 lead.
They continued to push ahead in the second half, heading into the fourth quarter with an 88-62 lead and comfortably securing the victory in the final moments of the game.
Minnesota struggled offensively, shooting just 41.2% from the field and turning the ball over 21 times, issues that contributed to their inability to mount a comeback.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Anthony Edwards added 19, but it was not enough to challenge the relentless surge of the Thunder. The series loss marks a disappointing end for Minnesota’s hopes of reaching their first NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City will now await the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. With their league best 68-14 regular-season record, the Thunder will enjoy home-court advantage when the finals begin on June 5.
