Sports fans often doubt a team’s or player’s ability to win championships until they achieve it, as seen with the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown before their success. Doubts surrounded the Oklahoma City Thunder as the playoffs approached, with many still unsure of their potential. However, critics were silenced when the Thunder decisively defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-94, securing a 4-1 series victory and a chance to compete in the NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood out, scoring 34 points and earning the Western Conference Finals MVP title. The Thunder’s defense was a crucial factor in their series win, applying consistent pressure that left Minnesota struggling. The Timberwolves started poorly, hitting only 1 of 11 shots early and finishing the first quarter at 3 of 20. Their offensive struggles were evident as they recorded only 32 points in the first half and a meager offensive rating of 61.5, while Oklahoma City thrived with a rating of 125.
Despite a few attempts to close the gap, the game remained firmly in the Thunder’s control, leading to frustrations for the Timberwolves, who committed 21 turnovers. Minnesota’s Coach Chris Finch acknowledged the Thunder’s dominance, noting that his team lost their rhythm and connectivity. Ultimately, the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their capability beyond regular-season performance, now setting their sights on the NBA Finals, where they will be strong favorites against either the Pacers or Knicks.
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