With an impressive statement victory, the Oklahoma City Thunder secure their ticket to the NBA Finals. OKC dominates the overwhelmed Timberwolves early on and leaves no doubt about their 4-1 series victory.
With a 124-94 home win in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was also named Western Conference Finals MVP after receiving his award, led his team with 34 points. Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, Jalen Williams had 19 points and eight rebounds, while center Isaiah Hartenstein had eight points, five rebounds and two blocks in just under 17 minutes of playing time.
From the start, OKC left no doubt about who belonged in the next round: An 11-3 start was capped by a three-pointer from Cason Wallace at the end of the quarter (26-9). The Thunder pulled away to 65-32 at halftime and took their starters off the court with the score at 108-74 with just over five minutes remaining. The fans at Paycom Center Arena celebrated euphorically – after years of rebuilding, the team is back on the big stage.
OKC defense stifles Minnesota – Edwards again lackluster
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, never found their rhythm. Julius Randle scored 24 points and Anthony Edwards added 19, but 21 turnovers and a field goal percentage of just 41.2 percent sealed their early exit.
Oklahoma City now awaits its opponent in the finals – either the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers, who currently lead 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals series. Game 1 of the finals will tip off on June 5 – and thanks to the best record in the regular season (68-14), OKC will start with home-court advantage.
