Thunder NBA Finals: Key Trends & Takeaways (2012)
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading back to the NBA Finals after defeating anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
- According to ESPN Research, this win marks the Thunder as only the third team in NBA history to secure multiple 30-point series-clinching wins in a single postseason.
- The Thunder's last appearance in the NBA Finals was in 2012, when they triumphed over tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in six games.
The oklahoma City Thunder are back in the NBA Finals! This article breaks down the key trends and takeaways from their last Finals appearance in 2012, a year when kevin Durant led the charge, and the team faced off against Miami Heat’s “Big Three.” Analyzing the 2012 season reveals how the Thunder, wiht their original big three, were just a step away from claiming the championship. Discover how the team’s dynamic, even in defeat, shaped the franchise, and how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the charge now. News directory 3 has comprehensive coverage.Discover what’s next for the Thunder in these Finals.
Oklahoma City Thunder Advance to NBA Finals Behind Gilgeous-alexander
Updated May 29, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading back to the NBA Finals after defeating anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, led the charge with 34 points in the 124-194 victory.
According to ESPN Research, this win marks the Thunder as only the third team in NBA history to secure multiple 30-point series-clinching wins in a single postseason. the 2008 Boston Celtics and the 1987 Los angeles Lakers, both of whom went on to win the NBA title, previously achieved this feat.
The Thunder’s last appearance in the NBA Finals was in 2012, when they triumphed over tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in six games. Kevin Durant averaged 29.5 points in that series.
Before Shai gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, another “big three” sought the same championship goal. Durant, now with the Phoenix Suns, played alongside Russell Westbrook, currently a guard for the Denver Nuggets, and James Harden, a guard for the LA Clippers. In the 2011-12 season, this trio helped Oklahoma City achieve a 47-19 regular-season record, averaging 68.4 points per game.
During thier 2012 playoff run, the Thunder swept the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, and overcame the San Antonio Spurs in six.
In the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City faced LeBron James, Dwyane wade, and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. The Heat’s “big three” averaged 68.5 points during their title run, slightly less than the Thunder’s trio, who averaged 70.
Oklahoma City won Game 1, but the Heat then won four straight games, securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy and earning James his first NBA Finals MVP award.
Looking Back: Kevin Durant’s Acting Debut
Shortly after the Thunder’s loss to the Heat, Kevin Durant starred in his first film, “Thunderstruck,” released in August 2012. The movie follows Durant as he mysteriously swaps basketball skills with a young fan, leading to comedic consequences. The film grossed $587,211 worldwide.
Flashback: Nicki Minaj’s Rise to Rap Superstardom
In 2012,Nicki Minaj,signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment,dominated the Billboard charts with her album “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.” Released on January 1, 2012, the album featured the hit song “Beez in the Trap” with 2 Chainz and remained on the Billboard Top 100 for 25 weeks. “pink Friday” later won the Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album in 2013.
Tech Throwback: Instagram Expands to Android
Initially launched for Apple products in 2010, Instagram expanded to the Android platform in April 2012. This move came after Facebook acquired the photo and video sharing app for $1 million, marking a meaningful milestone in Instagram’s growth and accessibility.
What’s next
As the Oklahoma City thunder prepare for the NBA Finals, fans eagerly anticipate their performance against the Eastern Conference champions. The team, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, aims to capture their first NBA title since 2012, marking a new era for the franchise.