The Western Conference Finals are set between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is set to be one of the most exciting series of the Playoffs, considering the Timberwolves have matched up well with the Thunder.
In the regular season, they split the series 2-2, which bodes well for the upcoming series that starts on Tuesday. It is also an exciting series for Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, who grew up in Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half at Target Center.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
This series will have fresh faces at the highest level of the Western Conference. The headliners are Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two players who are considered the present and future of the NBA.
Apart from the two superstars, both teams have fantastic supporting casts. This is arguably the matchup with two teams with the best depth in the postseason. It should be an exciting series, especially with the storylines like Holmgren coming home.
Holmgren Is Glad He Will Play Playoff Basketball In Minnesota
Since he was born and raised in Minneapolis, this is a homecoming for Holmgren. He is always proud to represent his hometown, but he will be the villain in this series.
The 7'1" center has been superb in the Playoffs, averaging 16 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He will be a pivotal player in this series, especially with his defense in the paint.
It is a big moment for Holmgren because this is his first-ever berth in the Western Conference Finals. This becomes more special because he will be playing in two cities he calls home.
"It’s amazing. You know growing up Minnesota was never in the playoffs so that atmosphere was never really there in the city," Holmgren said about seeing Playoff basketball in Minnesota. "So I’m sure it’s insane right now, but it’ll be great to be able to play. Any time I go home, I get to play in front of family, old coaches, old teammates, I never take it for granted. It has gone full circle."
Minnesota Will Be Prepared For The Thunder
While the Thunder are the heavy favorites for this series, the Timberwolves thrive in this situation. Their backs are against the wall against the favorite to win the championship, but coach Chris Finch and his team have everything to pull off an upset.
Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander is the biggest matchup, but the Timberwolves will want to succeed in other areas. The big-man matchup between Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle against Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein will be one to watch.
The Western Conference Finals are here, and it will be a glorious matchup between the most promising teams.