Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another stellar playoff game in leading Oklahoma to its first NBA Finals since 2012 on Wednesday night.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade. With a commanding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Thunder closed out the Western Conference Finals 4-1 in style.
Canadian star and series MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was electric, scoring 34 points and setting the tone from the outset. His leadership and poise were key in dismantling the Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
A Dominant Display from the Start
The Thunder wasted no time. They opened the game with an 11-3 run and never looked back. By the end of the first quarter, they had surged to a 26-9 lead. Rookie Cason Wallace capped the quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, and Oklahoma City took control.
The game was effectively over from that point. With 5:14 left in the fourth quarter, the Thunder had built a massive 108-74 lead and benched their starters. The Oklahoma crowd erupted, celebrating a long-awaited return to championship contention.
Gilgeous-Alexander Keeps His Focus
Despite the moment, Gilgeous-Alexander remained grounded. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said after the game. “This is not our final goal.”
His message was clear: celebration can wait. The Thunder now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Indiana currently leads the series 3-1, with Game 5 set for Thursday in New York.
Holmgren and Williams Step Up
While Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, he had help. Rising star Chet Holmgren added 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing the depth of this young, talented squad.
Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s character. “These guys are uncommon,” he said. “They do everything right. They’re high character.” His praise was met with humor, as players playfully draped towels over him mid-interview, a nod to their postgame tradition.
Daigneault, staying focused, chuckled and said, “They’re idiots,” never losing his composure.
A Heartbreaking End for Minnesota
For the Timberwolves, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. Julius Randle scored 24 points, while Anthony Edwards added 19. However, the team struggled offensively, shooting just 41.2% and turning the ball over 21 times.
Veteran guard Mike Conley, 37, reflected on the missed opportunity. “It’s going to take a while to process,” he admitted. “But I’m proud of my teammates. They fought hard—not just for me, but for each other.”
Thunder’s Rise from the Ashes
Thunder fans have endured a lot in recent years. Since Kevin Durant’s departure in 2016, the team underwent a full rebuild. Just four years ago, they sat near the bottom of the standings. Now, they are four wins away from an NBA title.
Their journey to the NBA Finals marks a full-circle moment. Powered by youth, resilience, and star power, Oklahoma City is not just a feel-good story—they’re legitimate title contenders.
As the Thunder prepare for the finals, one thing is clear: they’re not just happy to be here. They're hungry for more.
