The Oklahoma City Thunder looked dominant and, at times, nearly unbeatable during the NBA's regular season. So far in the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they haven't done anything to mar that reputation or aura.
They took Game 1 easily by a final score of 114-88, and on Thursday, they pulled away in the second half of Game 2 for a 118-103 victory, putting them two wins away from a trip to the NBA Finals.
Newly minted MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field. That made him the first player in franchise history with five straight 30-point games in the playoffs.
As usual, Gilgeous-Alexander did a good chunk of his damage by drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He attempted 15 free throws and made 13 of them, and he also dished off eight assists against just one turnover.
Even though the Timberwolves have been an excellent defensive team all season, and although they have multiple rangy wing defenders, they have had no answer for him thus far.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
As many kudos as Oklahoma City has gotten for its dominant defense, it has been a magnificent offensive team as well. It was fourth in scoring and third in offensive rating during the regular season, and it led everyone in points off turnovers.
The team didn't force as many turnovers as it did in Game 1, but it did score 22 points off Minnesota's 14 turnovers and post 16 fast-break points.
Budding star forward Jalen Williams also contributed with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and big man Chet Holmgren chipped in 22 points.