Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 5: OKC Thunder Becomes West Conference Champions, Advance to NBA Finals After 13 years

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP.

Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder outclassed the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 to clinch the conference finals series 4-1 and booked their place in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. This is also the second straight conference finals loss for the Wolves as they lost to the Mavericks last year. The Thunder will now take on either Pacers or Knicks in the Finals.

THE 2024-25 WEST CHAMPION OKC THUNDER RECEIVE THE OSCAR ROBERTSON TROPHY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JI1Lq9QKXf
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2025

It was completely a one-way traffic for the Thunder and Minnesota had no answer against Oklahoma City’s offensive strength. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP and the recipient of the Earvin Magic Johnson Trophy. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. In previous game, he dropped a playoff career high 40 points. He averaged 31 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.8 steal in the WCF playoff series.

Also Read: “They’re Making Edwards a Jump Shooter” – Isiah Thomas Sees Jordan Parallel As OKC’s Defense Breaks Down Anthony Edwards

OKC Thunder Humiliates Wolves in Opening Half to Clinch WCF Series 4-1

Minnesota scored first three points of the game and later, didn’t catch up the Thunder through out the game. Oklahoma City went on a 22-4 run in the first quarter to take a 17-point lead. The Thunder continued their domination and outscored the Wolves 39-23 in the second period to take a 65-32 lead at halftime. Thunder matched a playoff franchise record with 14 steals and nine came in the first half only.

SGA 20 FIRST HALF POINTS.

OKC WITH THE LEAD AT HALFTIME ON ESPN! pic.twitter.com/AX2mCkXOkg
— NBA (@NBA) May 29, 2025

The Timberwolves went on a 10-2 run in the third and outscored the Thunder 30-23 to cut the deficit to 26 points. The fourth quarter was a replica of Oklahoma City’s first-half brilliance as they had a 13-5 run to extend their lead to 106-72 in the middle of the final period. Minnesota scored 32 points in the final quarter to avoid a humiliation but still, they suffered a 30-point blowout loss.

It was one of the worst playoff series for the Timberwolves. Apart from their only victory in Game 3, they have been a mediocre side. The Wolves committed 14 turnovers in the first half and had only 12 made shots. The Timberwolves shot 35.3% from the 3-point range and it improved in the second half. 21 turnovers in the game shows their on-court failure.

Also Read: Kevin Durant to Spurs? Trade Rumors Heat Up for 2025 NBA Season

For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren also added 22 points and Jalen Williams had 19, including eight rebounds. Luguentz Dort added 12 and Isaiah Joe had 11 off the bench. Anthony Edwards had another poor outing with 19 points and Julius Randle improved this time and scored a team-high 24 points. Only two Wolves starters reached double-figures in Game 5.

Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Minneosta Timberwolves

Oklahoma City Thunder

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Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.