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Oklahoma City Thunder Advance to NBA Finals After Dominant Win Over Timberwolves

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder struck a careful balance between celebration and focus Wednesday night, knowing their ultimate goal still lies ahead.

Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points, the Thunder cruised to a commanding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, clinching the Western Conference Finals with a 4-1 series win. This marks the Thunder’s first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012.

Despite the triumph, the newly crowned league MVP Gilgeous-Alexander remained composed. Oklahoma City will now face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the Finals. The Pacers currently lead the Eastern Conference Finals 3-1, with Game 5 set for Thursday night in New York.

Even in victory, the Thunder’s youthful energy was on display. During a postgame interview, head coach Mark Daigneault began praising his team’s effort when players playfully draped towels over him—a nod to a lighthearted ritual typically reserved for local sideline reporter Nick Gallo.

Chet Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and eight boards. The home crowd, long-starved for success after Kevin Durant’s 2016 departure and several rebuilding seasons, erupted when the starters were pulled with 5:14 remaining and the Thunder holding a 108-74 lead.

For Minnesota, Julius Randle led the way with 24 points and Anthony Edwards added 19, but the Timberwolves struggled offensively, shooting just 41.2% from the field and committing 21 turnovers. Veteran point guard Mike Conley, 37, reflected on the loss with disappointment, noting how rare these playoff chances can be.

Oklahoma City set the tone early, starting the game with an 11-3 run. Cason Wallace capped the dominant first quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, giving the Thunder a 26-9 lead—a gap Minnesota would never close.

 

 

 


Local Voices. Statewide Stories.