Thunder Strom Past Timberwolves in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals

Thunder Storm Past Timberwolves in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals

The 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals tipped off with a statement win by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves 114–88 in Game 1 on May 20 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. After a slow first half, the Thunder came alive in the third quarter and never looked back, taking a 1–0 series lead and asserting themselves as serious Finals contenders.

A Tale of Two Halves

The game began with promise for the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s defense held strong in the first two quarters, limiting OKC’s explosive offense to just 44 points by halftime. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels were key contributors early, helping the Wolves build a 48–44 lead at the break. Their ability to control the pace and force turnovers kept the young Thunder core from finding their rhythm.

However, everything changed in the second half. The Thunder exploded for 70 points in the final two quarters while holding Minnesota to just 40. It was a complete turnaround sparked by lockdown defense, transition buckets, and efficient half-court execution.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Masterclass

At the heart of Oklahoma City’s surge was star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to shine in the postseason. He finished with 31 points and 9 assists, delivering 20 of his points in the second half alone. Most impressively, he didn’t commit a single turnover, a testament to his control and composure under pressure.

Head coach Mark Daigneault made a subtle but significant adjustment in the third quarter by moving Gilgeous-Alexander off the ball more frequently. This allowed him to find cleaner looks and break free from Minnesota’s traps. Once he got hot, the floodgates opened for the entire OKC offense.

“He’s the engine that makes us go,” Daigneault said postgame. “Shai’s understanding of tempo and timing is special. He led us with poise.”

Supporting Cast Delivers

While Gilgeous-Alexander was the star, he had plenty of help. Jalen Williams chipped in with 19 points and 8 rebounds, playing with relentless energy on both ends. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren added 15 points and 7 boards, proving once again that the moment isn’t too big for him.

Oklahoma City shot 50% from the field and 52.4% from beyond the arc, with contributions from nearly every player in the rotation. Their ball movement was crisp, creating open looks and keeping Minnesota’s defense scrambling.

Defensively, OKC was just as dominant. They forced 17 turnovers, leading to 31 fast-break points. The Timberwolves couldn’t find consistent looks, and when they did, they often missed—finishing the game shooting just 34.9% from the floor.

Timberwolves Lose Steam

Minnesota’s early composure faded quickly after halftime. The Thunder’s aggressive perimeter defense clamped down on Anthony Edwards, who was limited to 18 points and held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Edwards also briefly exited in the first quarter after tweaking his ankle but returned to finish the game. Even so, he never looked fully comfortable.

Rudy Gobert was largely ineffective, managing just 5 points, and was a non-factor defensively as OKC stretched the floor. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to find a rhythm, finishing with only 12 points on inefficient shooting.

“Give them credit—they made adjustments and we didn’t respond,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said after the game. “We have to be tougher mentally and more disciplined with the ball.”

A Young Team Playing Beyond Its Years

The Thunder’s performance in Game 1 is another sign of their rapid maturation. Just two years removed from a rebuild, this young squad—led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams—plays with a poise and intensity more often seen in veteran teams. Their depth, defense, and unselfish play style are proving to be a winning formula.

What’s perhaps most impressive is that this team doesn't rely on one-dimensional play. If Shai is slowed down, Holmgren can dominate inside. If defenses pack the paint, their shooters light it up from outside. And with versatile defenders like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, they can switch almost everything defensively.

Looking Ahead: Game 2 and Adjustments

With Game 2 set for May 22, the Timberwolves will need to regroup fast. Limiting turnovers, getting Edwards more involved, and finding ways to neutralize Gilgeous-Alexander will be key if they hope to avoid going down 0–2.

On the other side, Oklahoma City will look to keep its momentum going and continue defending home court. They’ve made it clear that despite their youth, they’re here to win now—and they just might be the team to beat in the West.