Thunder Roar to NBA Finals, Crush Timberwolves with Gilgeous-Alexander’s Brilliance

The Oklahoma City Thunder have stormed back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, crushing the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. This victory marks a triumphant return for a team that’s weathered its share of storms since its Seattle days.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s MVP maestro, orchestrated the win with a dazzling 34 points, while rookie sensation Chet Holmgren chipped in 22. Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight rebounds, proving the Thunder’s young core is ready for the big stage. The team’s 68-14 regular-season record, the league’s best, secures them homecourt advantage when the Finals tip off on June 5.

The Timberwolves, despite 24 points from Julius Randle and 19 from Anthony Edwards, couldn’t keep up, stumbling with 21 turnovers and a dismal 41.2% shooting. Oklahoma City set the tone early with an 11-3 run, ballooning their lead to 65-32 by halftime. A Cason Wallace 3-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer was just the start of the rout.

This Finals berth is a redemption arc for the Thunder, who hit rock bottom just four years ago after losing stars like Kevin Durant. Now, they await the winner of the Indiana Pacers–New York Knicks series, with Indiana leading 3-1. The Thunder are four wins from their first title since 1979, when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics.