The Oklahoma City Thunder will begin the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1.
Oklahoma City has had a dominant run in the playoffs thus far as they were able to sweep their way past the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.
In the second round, the Thunder were matched up against a tough Denver Nuggets squad that was able to take them to seven games, but it was Oklahoma City who was able to advance after their dominant 32-point victory in Game 7 on Sunday.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
With the victory, the Thunder have now reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016 and they will have another tough matchup against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
Ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night, the NBA made a massive announcement regarding Thunder forward Jalen Williams on Monday.
The NBA announced that Williams has been fined $25,000 for wearing clothing with profane language in his postgame media session after Game 7 against the Nuggets on Sunday.
Of course, Williams had an incredible performance in Game 7 against Denver on Sunday as he finished the game with 24 points, five rebounds and seven assists, helping Oklahoma City keep their season alive.
Unfortunately for Williams, his choice of clothing after the game did not go his way after he wore a shirt that had profane language on it, causing the NBA to fine him $25,000.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams speaks with head coach Mark Daigneault during their game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Feb. 6, 2024.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams speaks with head coach Mark Daigneault during their game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Feb. 6, 2024.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Despite this, Williams will now pay the fine and prepare for the Western Conference Finals where the Thunder will need him to step up if they want to make it to the NBA Finals.
Williams struggled in the second round against the Nuggets despite his great performance in Game 7 and he will look to build off that game as he, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder start their series against Minnesota on Tuesday night.