Timberwolves forward Julius Randle competes for a rebound against, from left, Oklahoma City guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe, and forward Jalen Williams.
Timberwolves forward Julius Randle competes for a rebound against, from left, Oklahoma City guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe, and forward Jalen Williams.Nate Billings/Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half, and the top-seeded Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-88, on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, had nine assists. He made 8 of 14 field goals after halftime.
Julius Randle scored 28 points for Minnesota, but just eight in the second half. Anthony Edwards, who had been averaging 26.5 points per game in the playoffs, was held to 18 on 5-of-13 shooting.
Oklahoma City was just two days removed from eliminating Denver in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. Minnesota hadn’t played since May 14.
Game 2 is Thursday in Oklahoma City.
Minnesota led, 48-44, at halftime as Randle scored 20 points and made 5 of 6 3-pointers. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting before the break.
The Thunder went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter to take a 66-60 lead. A short time later, Kenrich Williams, a rarely-used sub this postseason, hit a midrange jumper and a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions to put the Thunder up, 71-62. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota, 32-18, in the third quarter to take a 76-66 advantage into the fourth.
A spinning dunk by Holmgren in traffic put Oklahoma City ahead, 86-75, and drew a roar from the crowd. Gilgeous-Alexander threw up a prayer as he was being fouled while falling to the floor. The ball rolled in, and he made the free throw to make it 91-77 with seven minutes remaining.