Thunder in NBA Finals: 2012 Return
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after a dominant 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5...
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, supported by Chet Holmgren's 22 points and Jalen Williams' 19 points.
- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) points during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota...
Oklahoma city Thunder Advance to NBA Finals After Series Win
Updated May 29, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after a dominant 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. The Thunder’s strong performance secured their place as Western Conference champions, marking a meaningful milestone for the team adn their fans.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, supported by Chet Holmgren’s 22 points and Jalen Williams’ 19 points. Their combined efforts overwhelmed the Timberwolves, who struggled with 41.2% shooting and 21 turnovers. Julius Randle scored 24 points for Minnesota, while Anthony Edwards added 19.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) points during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves,Wednesday,May 28,2025,in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
The Thunder’s journey back to the top involved a rebuild after Kevin Durant’s departure in 2016.After Durant left, the team spent time near the bottom of the league standings. Now,led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,the team has returned to prominence.
Oklahoma city dominated from the start, opening the game with an 11-3 run and leading 65-32 at halftime. Cason Wallace’s 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter put the Thunder ahead 26-9, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn images)
What’s next
The Oklahoma City Thunder will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, with home-court advantage secured due to their league-best 68-14 regular-season record. The Finals are set to begin on June 5.