Oklahoma City, sparked by 34 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, advanced to the NBA finals for the first time since 2012 by routing Minnesota, 124-94, yesterday (Philippine time).
Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA Most Valuable Player, added eight assists and seven rebounds as the Thunder captured the best-of-seven Western Conference finals series 4-1 and will host Game 1 of the NBA finals on June 5.
“This is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do, and we know that and that’s what we’re focused on, so let’s buckle up and get ready,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma will face the Eastern Conference champion, either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks, for the league title.
Chet Holmgren added 22 points and Jalen Williams netted 19 for the Thunder.
“We have 17 dudes on the roster who will bring it every single game, whether it’s a closeout game or not,” Holmgren said.
“It’s a step in the journey. We still have a season to play [in the finals], so we’re not done.”
Williams was proud of the way players melded into a team.
“We’ve been through ups and downs this entire season and that has only brought us closer. We’ve been able to bond and get better and that’s why we’re here now,” he said.
Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points while Anthony Edwards added 19 for the Timberwolves, who have never reached the NBA finals.
Oklahoma has never won an NBA title, although the franchise won a crown as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979 before relocating in 2008, and the Thunder last reached the finals in 2012, losing to Miami.
But the Thunder had the best record in the NBA this season and will be the team to beat.
Oklahoma dominated from the start, overpowering the Timberwolves in epic fashion as Minnesota suffered a nightmare performance when it mattered most.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points in the first quarter as the Thunder grabbed a 26-9 lead, holding the Timberwolves to their lowest point total in any quarter all season.
Minnesota shot 3-for-20 in the first quarter, 1-of-9 from three-point range, and lost four turnovers.
The Timberwolves missed 10 of their first 11 shots as Oklahoma jumped ahead 11-3, then the Thunder closed the quarter on a 13-2 run.
Oklahoma rolled to a 48-20 advantage early in the second quarter on the way to a 65-32 half-time lead.
Minnesota surrendered 14 turnovers in the first half and made only 12 baskets.
The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 37 points before pulling within 88-62 after three quarters but never looked like overcoming the Thunder’s dominant performance. (Agence France-Presse)