The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of history, just four wins away from claiming their first championship since relocating from Seattle. In a dominant display during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder overshadowed the Minnesota Timberwolves, cruising to a 124-94 victory that sealed their spot in the NBA Finals.
This trip to the Finals marks their first since 2012, when they faced off against a formidable Miami Heat team featuring LeBron James, which ended in a tough loss. Fast forward to this season, and the Thunder have risen from the ashes of a tumultuous period marked by the departure of superstar Kevin Durant in 2016, following a heartbreaking collapse against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the conference finals. That moment sparked a rebuild that temporarily grounded Oklahoma City near the bottom of the league standings, but the team has resurged with a new core ready to compete for the ultimate prize.
Leading the charge for the Thunder is star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who erupted for 34 points in Wednesday night’s game, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability and leadership. The versatile big man Chet Holmgren contributed a solid 22 points, while Jalen Williams added an impressive 19 points and eight rebounds, highlighting the depth and talent of this Thunder squad.
As they prepare for the Finals, Oklahoma City will have home court advantage due to their stellar league-best record of 68-14 during the regular season. Their opponent is yet to be determined, with the Indiana Pacers holding a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for an exciting matchup in June.
The Timberwolves struggled to find their rhythm, with Julius Randle leading the way with 24 points and Anthony Edwards contributing 19. However, shooting just 41.2% from the field and committing 21 turnovers ultimately proved too much to overcome against a well-oiled Thunder machine.
From the tip-off, Oklahoma City took control, opening the game with an 11-3 run and extending their lead methodically throughout the first quarter. A late first-quarter three-pointer by Cason Wallace punctuated their momentum, leaving the Thunder with a commanding 26-9 lead after the opening frame. By halftime, Oklahoma City had pushed the advantage to a staggering 65-32, and they cruised into the fourth quarter with an 88-62 lead, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling showdown in the Finals.
As they look ahead, the Thunder are a team on a mission, and if this performance is any indication, the rest of the league should prepare for an unforgettable playoff run.
