OKC Thunder Clinch NBA Finals Spot with 124-94 Win over Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder decisively defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, clinching the series 4-1 and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 34 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, earning the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP and the Earvin Magic Johnson Trophy. Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Jalen Williams added 19 points and 8 rebounds, helping the Thunder dominate early with a 26-9 first quarter lead and a 65-32 halftime advantage. The Thunder's roster, averaging 25.6 years old, is the second youngest team to reach the NBA Finals, trailing only the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers. The Timberwolves struggled offensively, shooting 41.2% and committing 21 turnovers, with Julius Randle scoring 24 and Anthony Edwards 19 points. Oklahoma City will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the Finals, starting June 5, with home-court advantage due to their league-best 68-14 regular-season record.