The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, and they did it in style—absolutely dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 124–94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. This win capped off a 4–1 series victory and solidified OKC’s status as the breakout team of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Thunder’s Dominance: A Statement Win
From the opening tip, the Thunder were locked in. They held Minnesota to just nine points in the first quarter—the lowest scoring quarter by any team in this year’s playoffs—and never looked back. By halftime, OKC had built a commanding 65–32 lead, effectively ending the game before the second half even began. Their defense was suffocating, their offense fluid, and their energy unmatched.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly crowned 2025 NBA MVP, led the charge with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on 56% shooting. His performance earned him the Western Conference Finals MVP, adding to his growing list of accolades this season. But this wasn’t a one-man show. Jalen Williams continued his playoff breakout with 34 points in Game 4 and remained a consistent force throughout the series. Chet Holmgren, in his first full season, provided crucial rim protection and spacing, while rookie additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso contributed veteran savvy and defensive grit.
A Historic Season for OKC
This Thunder squad isn’t just winning—they’re dominating. They finished the regular season with a franchise-best 68–14 record, clinched the Maurice Podoloff Trophy for the league’s best record, and secured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Their point differential of +12.9 per game was the highest in NBA history, surpassing the 1971–72 Lakers.
Under head coach Mark Daigneault, OKC has transformed into a well-oiled machine. Their blend of youth and experience, coupled with a deep bench, makes them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. And with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, they have a bona fide superstar capable of taking over games when needed.
Timberwolves’ Collapse and Future Outlook
For Minnesota, this loss was a harsh reality check. After a promising run to the Western Conference Finals, they were thoroughly outclassed by the Thunder. Anthony Edwards, the face of the franchise, struggled to find his rhythm against OKC’s relentless defense. Julius Randle, acquired in a midseason trade, had moments but couldn’t provide the consistent scoring punch the team needed.
The Timberwolves now face a pivotal offseason. With key players like Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker potentially entering free agency, Minnesota’s front office has critical decisions to make. Their young core remains intact, but to take the next step, they’ll need to address depth issues and find a way to support Edwards more effectively.
Looking Ahead: NBA Finals Await
The Thunder now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. With the Pacers currently leading the series 3–1, a matchup between OKC and Indiana seems likely. Regardless of the opponent, the Thunder will enter the Finals as the favorites, boasting the league’s best record, a deep and versatile roster, and a superstar in Gilgeous-Alexander playing at the peak of his powers.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 5, and if the Thunder continue their current form, they have a legitimate shot at capturing their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. For a team that was in rebuild mode just a few years ago, this rapid ascent is a testament to smart drafting, player development, and a clear organizational vision.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s journey to the 2025 NBA Finals is more than just a sports story—it’s a narrative of resilience, strategic planning, and the emergence of new superstars. As the Finals approach, all eyes will be on OKC to see if they can complete their fairy-tale season with a championship. Given their current trajectory, betting against them seems unwise.