The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night looking to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
That is exactly what they were able to do as they dominated their way past the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder in Wednesday’s victory as he ended the game with 34 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrate after a play.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate after a play.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren also had a great performance as he recorded 22 points and seven rebounds while Jalen Williams added 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists of his own in the win.
After the game, the NBA awarded Shai as the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP winner and he quickly turned his thoughts ahead to the NBA Finals.
“This is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do and we know that,” Shai said after the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
Of course, the Thunder have been the best team in the NBA all season as they have dominated their way to the NBA Finals and it would be a major letdown if they are unable to win the title this season.
Because of this, Shai sent a clear message to the Thunder as they now shift their focus from reaching the NBA Finals to now trying to win it and bring a championship to Oklahoma City for the first time since the franchise relocated there from Seattle.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), forward Chet Holmgren (7), forward Jalen Williams (8), guard Luguentz Dort
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), forward Chet Holmgren (7), forward Jalen Williams (8), guard Luguentz Dort
© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City is still awaiting the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks as the Pacers have a 3-1 lead in the series and have a chance to advance to the NBA Finals on Thursday night with a victory.
Either way, the Thunder will host Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 5 on ESPN as they try to cap off their incredible season with a championship.