Thunder dominate rested Timberwolves in Game 1 of Western Conference finals

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:48 am

Thunder Thump Timberwolves in Game 1 of Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, securing a decisive 114-88 victory on Tuesday night. The top-seeded Thunder, fueled by a second-half surge from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, capitalized on their home-court advantage against a well-rested Timberwolves squad.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled in the first half, exploded for 20 of his 31 points in the second half, showcasing his ability to adjust and dominate. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. While Julius Randle led Minnesota with 28 points, he was largely contained in the second half. Star player Anthony Edwards, who had been averaging over 26 points per game in the playoffs, was held to a mere 18 points on a disappointing 5-of-13 shooting performance. Edwards attributed his struggles to the Thunder's defensive strategy of packing the paint, forcing him to take fewer shots.

The game's turning point came in the third quarter, where Oklahoma City unleashed a 10-0 run, ultimately outscoring Minnesota 32-18. Key contributions from role players like Kenrich Williams further solidified the Thunder's dominance. The Timberwolves, who had a week off before the series, appeared to lack the same intensity as the Thunder, who were fresh off a Game 7 victory against the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder's coach, Mark Daigneault, acknowledged the team's slow start but emphasized the importance of their halftime adjustments. The Timberwolves' coach, Chris Finch, remained optimistic despite the loss, acknowledging the Thunder's strong performance and looking ahead to Game 2.

BNN's Perspective: This game highlighted the importance of momentum and adaptability in the playoffs. While the Timberwolves had the advantage of rest, the Thunder's recent playoff experience and Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to elevate his game proved to be the deciding factors. The series is far from over, but Oklahoma City has certainly sent a strong message.

Keywords: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Game 1, Basketball, NBA, Playoffs, Thunder, Timberwolves, OKC, Minnesota, Score, Highlights, Recap

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