Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game 1 Result: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates As OKC Crushes Minnesota Despite Julius Randle’s Effort

SGA leads furious comeback after first-half struggles, Thunder take 1-0 lead

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder kicked off the Western Conference Finals with a statement win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Although the Thunder vs. Timberwolves game started close, it was the home team who took charge in the second half and won the massive game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an early burst of energy, and it was visible how the extra days of rest were coming to their aid. They led the first quarter with a score of 23-20. The Timberwolves’ defense was the grittiest, shutting down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They triple-teamed the star guard at times, showing aggressive intent.

While Julius Randle brought his A game, carrying the visitors with his three pointers. Minnesota held SGA to 2-13 FG in the first half, which became a major factor for their lead into the half-time. Anthony Edwards also had an injury scare during the Thunder vs. Timberwolves game.

Ant running back out to the court after going to the locker room for his ankle 💪 pic.twitter.com/cmxPWkwRA8
— ESPN (@espn) May 21, 2025

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Due to an ankle sprain, the 23-year-old went straight to the locker room. He came back soon enough to take charge of the Timberwolves’ offense. Edwards didn’t have the worst of his games on Tuesday, but he wasn’t at his usual best as well.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Erupts, Timberwolves Lose Momentum Fast

The Minnesota Timberwolves looked a different side in the second half of the Western Conference Finals game. Their tempo was down and momentum flipped completely as the Timberwolves’ turnovers piled up. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander roared back after a nightmarish first half.

He led his side to a massive lead with a third quarter score of 32-18. The forward scored 12 points, assisted 8 times and had an accuracy of 5-8 from the field. This quarter changed the outcome of the game and shifted the momentum for the better for the home side.
Rudy Gobert going completely silent on the court just made matters worse for the Timberwolves.

Julius Randle’s 28 points and 8 rebounds weren’t enough, as the Timberwolves lacked support in the clutch. The Thunder sealed Game 1 emphatically, finishing with a commanding 114-88 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game 31 points, while Jalen Williams scored 19 points. On the other side, Anthony Edwards managed just 18.