Oklahoma City Thunder Advance to NBA Finals for 5th Time in Franchise History

The Thunder returned home with a commanding 124-94 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, winning the series 4-1 and punching their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years. This marks the 5th time in franchise history that the Thunder (formerly the Seattle SuperSonics) have reached the Finals, and the first chance in 46 years to chase their second championship.

Thunder’s NBA Finals Appearances Overview:

• 1978 NBA Finals (as Seattle SuperSonics): Lost 3-4 to Washington Bullets
  The Sonics made their Finals debut but fell short in a tough seven-game series, losing the decisive Game 7 by a close 99-105.

• 1979 NBA Finals: Won 4-1 over Washington Bullets
  Seattle avenged the previous year’s defeat with a dominant comeback, winning four straight after losing Game 1 to claim their first and only NBA championship. Dennis Johnson earned Finals MVP honors.

• 1996 NBA Finals: Lost 2-4 to Chicago Bulls
  Led by stars Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, the Sonics faced Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Despite a strong effort, they fell in six games.

• 2012 NBA Finals (as Oklahoma City Thunder): Lost 1-4 to Miami Heat
  After relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder reached the Finals behind Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden but were defeated by the LeBron James-led Heat’s “Big Three.”

• 2025 NBA Finals: Awaiting opponent (Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks)
  The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, finished the regular season with a franchise-best 68-14 record. In the playoffs, they swept the Grizzlies (4-0), edged the Nuggets (4-3), and defeated the Timberwolves (4-1). Currently, the Pacers hold a 3-1 series lead over the Knicks, making Indiana the most likely Finals opponent.

Looking Ahead

The Thunder aim to capture their second franchise title, the first since 1979, as they prepare to face the Eastern Conference’s best. With a young, dynamic roster and historic momentum, Oklahoma City is poised for a landmark championship run.