The Oklahoma City Thunder sent a clear message in the Western Conference Finals opener. The OKC team overpowered the Minnesota Timberwolves with a commanding 114-88 victory on Tuesday night at Paycom Center. By dint of another show-stopping performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder seized a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The 26-point blowout was a statement win for the rising OKC squad, who outpaced and outplayed Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves throughout the game. The Thunder’s aggressive defense and balanced offensive attack gave Minnesota little room to respond, as they suffered one of their most lopsided defeats of the postseason.
Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Timberwolves in Game 1 Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Masterclass
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he’s one of the league’s brightest stars. In 38 minutes of play, the Thunder guard dropped 31 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out nine assists, and tallied three steals, while shooting 10-of-27 from the field and 11-of-14 from the free-throw line.
Shai committed only two turnovers and had one personal foul in a nearly flawless effort. This performance marked the first 30-point game by a Thunder player in the Western Conference Finals since Kevin Durant in 2016.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER TONIGHT:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 21, 2025
31 POINTS
9 ASSISTS
5 REBOUNDS
10/27 FGM
0/4 3PM
11/14 FTM pic.twitter.com/RQm06RvfIa
OKC’s success wasn’t solely due to Shai’s brilliance. Forward Jalen Williams delivered a solid all-around performance with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Chet Holmgren added 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
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Center Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 12 points and five rebounds, while Lu Dort played tight perimeter defense, adding five points. Cason Wallace and veteran Alex Caruso combined for 12 points, with Wallace also handing out seven assists.
On the Wolves’ side, Julius Randle scored 28 points and collected eight rebounds in 36 minutes but received little help from his teammates. Anthony Edwards struggled under OKC’s pressure. He posted 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists but couldn’t find a consistent groove.
Rudy Gobert scored just two points. Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley added seven points each, while Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker combined for 17 points off the bench.
