When pressure could have cracked a younger squad, the Oklahoma City Thunder played like seasoned contenders, crushing the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to book their place in the NBA Finals.
Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dazzling 34-point performance, the Thunder dismantled Minnesota from the opening tip. By halftime, the game was all but over as Oklahoma City led by 33, their defense suffocating and their attack relentless.
The Thunder, with an average age of just 25.6, are now the second-youngest team ever to reach the Finals. Only the 1977 Trail Blazers were younger. And yet, the moment never felt too big.
“We were laser focused today,” said coach Mark Daigneault. “That allowed our best to come to the surface.” It showed early, as the Thunder held Minnesota to nine points in the first quarter which was the fewest in any period in Timberwolves postseason history.
Gilgeous-Alexander matched Minnesota’s entire first-half output with 32 points and five assists before the break. “It really starts with defense for us,” he said. “We were clicking on all cylinders.” That discipline translated into offense, where Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams combined for 41 points.
Holmgren summed up the mood: “It’s great to feel like you didn’t leave anything on the table.” In truth, Oklahoma City left nothing at all forcing 14 first-half turnovers and dominating every facet of the game.
The second half was a celebration in the Paycom Center. Fans roared, players smiled, and Gilgeous-Alexander took it all in. “I wanted them to celebrate tonight in our building… get drunk, whatever they do,” he said, reflecting on the journey from 22-win seasons to Finals contention.
This was the Thunder’s fourth win by 30 or more in these playoffs which is something only the 1987 Lakers and 2008 Celtics had done before. Both won titles. The Thunder now await either the Pacers or Knicks in the Finals.
“This isn’t the end of the road,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We need to be the best version of ourselves for four more nights.”
