Image Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson Publicly Apologizes For Underestimating Thunder As They Advance to NBA Finals

Magic Johnson Apologizes to Thunder for underestimating them!

Image Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

NBA legend Magic Johnson issued an apology to the Oklahoma City Thunder after they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves and secured the NBA Final berth. The Thunder handed a 124-94 blowout loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 29. With the win, they earned their first trip to the Finals since 2012 and became the first finalists for the 2024-25 season.

Johnson apologized to the Thunder after the win and congratulated their GM Sam Presti in a series of tweets. Not only this, but he also congratulated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who won the ‘Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP’.

Reacting to the loss, the LA Lakers great said, “I want to apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder for underestimating them and not thinking they were ready to compete for a Championship.” He added that the Thunder fans should give a standing ovation to the franchise’s GM for coming up with that roster.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s fan base needs to give their GM Sam Presti a standing ovation for putting together an amazing roster!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 29, 2025

Moreover, the five-time NBA champion also congratulated Shai Gilegous-Alexander for winning the West’s MVP. He tweeted, “Congratulations to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for winning the MVP of the Western Conference Finals named after me. What I love about Shai is that he dominates on the court and is humble off the court!”

Magic Johnson Slams Minnesota Timberwolves For Lack of Effort in Game 5

The 12-time NBA All-Star was left unimpressed with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lack of effort. He didn’t hold back himself from expressing his disappointment towards them. The Thunder gained quick control of the game, owing to Chet Holmgren’s electrifying pace. They finished the opening quarter with a 26-9 lead over their counterparts. On the other hand, the Wolves struggled to find rhythm throughout the game.

Slamming Minnesota for the displaying lackluster effort, Johnson tweeted, “The Minnesota Timberwolves did not put forth a desperation effort in tonight’s game. They had bad body language and played like they were already on vacation.”

Congratulations to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for winning the MVP of the Western Conference Finals named after me. What I love about Shai is that he dominates on the court and is humble off the court!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 29, 2025

Minnesota’s leading performance came from Julius Randle, who dropped 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists. As a team, they were shooting 35-of-85 from the field, 12-of-34 from the three-pointer arc. In addition, the Wolves had a total of 21 turnovers.

Magic Johnson

OKC Thunder

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.