The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Sunday’s Game 7 matchup against the Denver Nuggets looking to use home court to their advantage and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
That is exactly what they were able to do as the Thunder were able to pick up a dominant 125-93 victory in front of their home crowd.
Denver had a great start to the game as they outscored Oklahoma City by five points in the first quarter.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Things would then change quickly in the second quarter as the Thunder held a 14-point lead heading into halftime and that lead would eventually become a 40-point lead late in the fourth before eventually resulting in a 32-point victory for Oklahoma City.
This was a massive win by the Thunder and one that now has them moving on to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016, the last season in which they had their star duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
After Sunday’s dominant victory, the Thunder made an announcement on social media.
“Thunder earns 5th Western Conference Finals appearance in OKC history,” the Thunder posted on X after Sunday’s win.
This is a great accomplishment by the Thunder as they were able to escape the second round after facing a true test in Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
Now the Thunder will match up against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, which will be another tough test for them.
Minnesota made short work of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round along with the Golden State Warriors in the second round, though the Warriors were without Stephen Curry due to injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
For the Thunder, they will need their star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to continue his hot streak into the next round and they will also need their supporting cast to continue to produce, which has been a major strength for them this season.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is on Tuesday from Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.