The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, knocking out the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to win the Western Conference title. This marks OKC’s first Finals appearance since their 2012 team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, when they lost to the Miami Heat in five games.
The Thunder sealed the series with a blowout 124-94 win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Their top-ranked defense overwhelmed the Timberwolves, who had more turnovers (14) than made field goals (12) in the first half. Oklahoma City jumped out to a 17-point lead in the first quarter, holding Minnesota to just nine points, the fewest in any quarter in both the Timberwolves’ franchise history. By halftime, OKC led by 33 points and would extend the lead to as many as 37 points.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander once again led the team with a dominant closeout performance, finishing with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. He played a strong first half, contributing to 32 points by scoring 20 to match Minnesota’s total first half points. Gilgeous Alexander was named Western Conference Finals MVP after averaging 31.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists throughout the series.
Chet Holmgren (22 points) and Jalen Williams (19 points) were also instrumental, combining for 30 points in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander will now aim to become the first player to win both the league MVP and an NBA championship in the same season since Stephen Curry accomplished the feat in 2015.
The Thunder, who won 68 games during the regular season and now hold a 12-4 playoff record, entered the year as the youngest team in the league. Despite their youth, they’ve been able to win the West as the top seed and have an opportunity to contend for the title.
Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. The 2025 NBA Finals will begin next Thursday in OKC as the Thunder look to win their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
