Thunder Crush Timberwolves 124-94 to Win Western Conference Finals 4-1, Reach NBA Finals for First Time in 13 Years

The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted and thoroughly dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, winning by a commanding 30-point margin, 124-94. With the series clinched 4-1, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Shai Alexander continued his incredible playoff run, pouring in 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting, along with 7 rebounds and 8 assists. His dominant performance helped seal the Thunder’s Western Conference championship and marked Alexander’s first-ever trip to the NBA Finals.

Game Highlights:

• First Quarter:
  Jaden Randle hit a three-pointer to give the Timberwolves their first score, but the Thunder quickly took control. Led by Alexander’s aggressive play, OKC unleashed an 11-0 run that forced Minnesota to call a timeout. After the break, Alexander exploded offensively with 8 straight points, pushing the Thunder’s lead into double digits. Minnesota struggled mightily under Thunder pressure, missing shot after shot and scoring only 2 points from free throws in the final 5 minutes and 57 seconds of the quarter. At the quarter’s end, the Thunder led by 17 points, with Alexander tallying 12 points and 5 assists—more points and assists than the entire Timberwolves team combined. The Thunder scored 24 of their 26 points through Alexander’s scoring and playmaking.

• Second Quarter:
  Role players from both teams traded baskets early, but the Thunder’s defense sparked another surge. OKC extended the lead beyond 20 points, with Alexander repeatedly attacking the rim and earning free throws. Even with Anthony Edwards and Randle back in the game, Minnesota couldn’t stem the tide. The Thunder’s “Big Three” of Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren combined for 50 points by halftime, outscoring the entire Timberwolves roster. At the break, the Thunder led by a daunting 33 points.

• Second Half:
  The Thunder pushed the advantage as high as 37 points. The Timberwolves, desperate to respond, found some offensive rhythm and cut the deficit to within 25 points. However, Alexander answered emphatically, igniting the crowd with a steal and powerful fast-break dunk. The Thunder kept countering every Timberwolves rally attempt, never allowing the deficit to dip below 20 points again.

• Closing Moments:
  As the lead became insurmountable, Thunder fans began celebrating early. Alexander was serenaded with MVP cheers each time he stepped to the free-throw line. With 8:59 remaining, Alexander was rested, and the game moved into garbage time. The Thunder secured the decisive victory and punched their ticket to the NBA Finals.

Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Thunder on returning to the NBA Finals after 13 years. Led by Shai Alexander, who is on track for his first Finals appearance and eyeing a potential dual MVP season, the Thunder now aim for their franchise’s first-ever NBA championship.