The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night, securing their place in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting, helping Oklahoma City close out the series 4-1 and reach the Finals for the first time in 13 years.
The top-seeded Thunder wasted no time establishing control, jumping out to an 11-3 lead and holding the Timberwolves to just nine points in the first quarter.
Cason Wallace punctuated the opening period with a buzzer-beating three, extending the lead to 26-9, and the rout was on from there.
By halftime, Oklahoma City had built a 65-32 advantage behind stifling defense and efficient shot-making, including 52.3% shooting from the field and 40% from three.
Chet Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and eight boards in another balanced performance by Mark Daigneault’s squad.
The Thunder emptied the bench with over five minutes remaining, leading by 34 points, as the home crowd at Paycom Center erupted in celebration.
Minnesota’s struggles on both ends were evident, with the Timberwolves shooting just 41.2% from the field and committing 21 turnovers.
Julius Randle led the Wolves with 24 points, and Anthony Edwards finished with 19, but Minnesota failed to find any rhythm after the opening tip.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley was held scoreless in 21 minutes in what could mark one of his final playoff appearances.
The win completes a dramatic turnaround for the Thunder, which bottomed out four years ago before constructing a contender through savvy drafting and player development.
Oklahoma City will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
Indiana holds a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 5 set for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
Game 1 of the Finals is scheduled for early next week, with the Thunder holding homecourt advantage regardless of the opponent.
