Thunder Storm into NBA Finals Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s Brilliance

The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade after dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again the catalyst for the Thunder, pouring in 34 points while adding eight assists and seven rebounds in a performance befitting the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. With the dominant win, Oklahoma City sealed the best-of-seven series 4-1, booking their ticket to the Finals for the first time since 2012 and the fifth time in franchise history—including three appearances from their days as the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Thunder will host Game 1 of the Finals on June 5, awaiting the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.

Gilgeous-Alexander wasted no time establishing control. After Minnesota opened the scoring, he orchestrated an 11-0 run, directly contributing to all five Thunder baskets during that stretch. He dished out four assists—three to Chet Holmgren—and added a graceful finger roll to kick off what would become a first-quarter masterclass.

By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder led 26-9, with Gilgeous-Alexander personally outscoring the Timberwolves 12-9. His final assist of the quarter—a perfectly timed pass to Cason Wallace for a buzzer-beating corner three—punctuated a 13-2 run that left Minnesota reeling.

Oklahoma City didn’t let up. By halftime, the Thunder had stretched their lead to 33 points, suffocating the Timberwolves with relentless defense and crisp execution. Minnesota’s offensive woes were glaring, shooting just 1-for-11 to start the game and finishing the half with more turnovers (14) than field goals (12). They ended the night with 21 turnovers overall.

Chet Holmgren backed Gilgeous-Alexander with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Jalen Williams added 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Their combined efforts ensured Minnesota never found a rhythm.

The Timberwolves, making their second straight appearance in the Western Conference finals, saw another promising campaign end in disappointment. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points, and Anthony Edwards chipped in 19, but neither could overcome Oklahoma City’s smothering defense and clinical offense.

For the Thunder, this victory marks the culmination of a rapid rebuild and a bold return to the NBA’s biggest stage. With home-court advantage in the Finals and their MVP in elite form, Oklahoma City’s championship dreams are now just four wins away.