The Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals with a resounding 114-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 20, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the victory, delivering a stellar performance that showcased his leadership and scoring prowess.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Second-Half Surge
Despite a challenging first half where he shot 2-of-13 from the field, Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm after halftime. He scored 20 of his game-high 31 points in the second half, finishing the night with nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals. His ability to adapt and lead the offense was instrumental in the Thunder’s turnaround .
“I just tried to continue to be aggressive, trust my work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “Our defense definitely gave us life early in the game and kept us in it” .
Thunder’s Defensive Mastery
Oklahoma City’s defense was a cornerstone of their victory, forcing 19 turnovers that led to 31 points. The Thunder’s aggressive perimeter defense and ability to capitalize on Minnesota’s mistakes disrupted the Timberwolves’ offensive flow .
“We just got a phenomenal defensive team,” Thunder reserve Alex Caruso noted. “It’s a collection of great individual defenders that also play great team defense” .
Supporting Cast Contributions
Jalen Williams added 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points and seven boards. Their efforts complemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance and highlighted the Thunder’s depth .
Timberwolves’ Struggles
Minnesota’s Julius Randle led the team with 28 points, but his impact waned in the second half. Anthony Edwards, returning from an ankle injury, was held to 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting. The Timberwolves’ offense faltered under the Thunder’s defensive pressure, shooting just 34.9% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range .
“They bank on us not making shots, I guess, because every time I go to the rim it’s like four people,” Edwards remarked, acknowledging the Thunder’s strategy of packing the paint .
What’s Next
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves will need to adjust their offensive approach and find ways to counter the Thunder’s defensive schemes to even the series.
As the series progresses, the Thunder’s combination of star power, defensive intensity, and depth positions them as formidable contenders in their quest for the NBA Finals.
