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Thunder Storm Past Timberwolves in Game 1 Blowout of Western Conference Finals

A dominant second-half surge led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander propels Oklahoma City to a resounding 114-88 victory over Minnesota in the series opener.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powers through Minnesota’s defense as the Thunder cruise to a dominant Game 1 victory in the Western Conference Finals. ( Source: AOL.com )

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, demolishing the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 with a relentless second-half blitz that stunned the visitors and energized the home crowd.

Despite trailing by four points at halftime, the Thunder erupted in the third and fourth quarters, outscoring Minnesota by 30 points in the second half alone. Leading the charge was star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who overcame a cold first half to finish with 31 points, 20 of which came after the break. He also contributed nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals in an all-around masterclass.

“We try to play to our identity,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “Our defense gave us life early and kept us in it. I just stayed aggressive and trusted my work.”

Head coach Mark Daigneault credited the team’s defensive grit for allowing them to regroup after a shaky first half. “It was a major win to be down just four at the break. The defense was huge in giving us that margin,” Daigneault remarked.

Jalen Williams showcased his continued growth with 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren also made his presence felt, tallying 15 points and anchoring the defense alongside Williams.

Oklahoma City’s defense proved too much for the Timberwolves, particularly in the second half. Minnesota’s rising star Anthony Edwards, who briefly exited the game after rolling his ankle late in the first quarter, was held to just 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting. While he returned and played through the injury, his impact was limited.

“I’ve got to shoot more,” Edwards admitted. “They’re doubling, sitting in gaps. I need to move off the ball and adjust.”

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 28 points and eight rebounds, hitting five of six from beyond the arc. However, most of his damage came in the first half, as OKC’s defense clamped down in the latter stages.

The Thunder now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves will need a major response to avoid falling into a daunting two-game hole.

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Alzarri Joseph Net Worth 2025 Revealed: West Indies Speedster’s Wealth Hits New Heights

From IPL debut to multimillion-dollar deals—how Antigua’s fast bowling ace Alzarri Joseph amassed an $11.3 million fortune

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Alzarri Joseph unleashes thunderbolts on the pitch—his rise to fame paralleled by a sharp rise in net worth and global appeal.

Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, the towering Antiguan pacer who burst onto the scene with a record-breaking IPL debut, has built an impressive financial empire. As of mid‑2025, his estimated net worth stands at US $11.3 million (₹93.66 crore), cementing his place among the wealthiest West Indies cricketers

Alzarri Joseph (Antiguan Cricketer)



Joseph’s monetary ascent is fueled by a varied income stream: a central contract with Cricket West Indies, lucrative match fees across international formats, and major franchise league deals. Highlights include IPL contracts with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and RCB—capped by a staggering ₹11.5 crore ($1.38 million) deal in 2024 . The Antigua News Room confirms his cumulative wealth, including an extra $1.3 million from league fees, reaching $11.3 million

Alzarri Joseph



Joseph also commands a strong regional brand presence. He is associated with sponsors like Nike, Coca‑Cola, Pepsi, and Deluxe Sports Company, boosting his off-field earnings . His passion for luxury is evident in his car collection, which includes a Mercedes S-Class, BMW X5, and Lamborghini Huracan

At just 28, the fast bowler has secured a solid financial foundation. With continued IPL success and international stardom, his net worth shows every sign of further growth—cementing his status as both a cricketing powerhouse and lucrative personal brand.

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Matthew Forde’s Net Worth Revealed for 2025

Barbados-born all-rounder Matthew Forde sets his financial footing as West Indies cricket star

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Matthew Forde in action for the West Indies—on the field he’s dynamic, off it, his financial journey is just beginning.

Matthew Forde, the dynamic Barbadian all-rounder and emerging star in the West Indies cricket setup, has been turning heads both on and off the field. As of mid‑2025, his exact net worth remains undisclosed—official estimates from sports finance trackers are still “not publicly disclosed” . Yet, even without a firm figure, the contours of his wealth are clear: steady earnings from international contracts, franchise cricket, and growing brand appeal.

Matthew Forde (Barbadian Cricketer)



Forde officially broke into the West Indies scene in December 2023, and since then, his financial profile has seen significant uplift. He plays on central contracts with Cricket West Indies and earns match fees across ODI and T20 internationals. Beyond international duties, Forde’s participation in franchise leagues—most notably the Caribbean Premier League with St Lucia Kings, the Lanka Premier League with Dambulla Aura, and stints with the Comilla Victorians—offers lucrative remuneration, often exceeding that of national team paydays.

Commercial opportunities are beginning to materialize too. While details are scarce, regional endorsements are likely emerging. Many Caribbean cricketers of similar profiles begin with local brand deals before progressing to broader sponsorship arrangements as visibility grows.

Matthew Forde

Dublin , Ireland 23 May 2025; West Indies batter Matthew Forde, left, celebrates bringing up his half century during the second match of the One Day International Series between Ireland and the West Indies at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

At just 23, Forde stands at the threshold of a promising career—not only athletically but financially. Though his net worth remains under wraps for now, all signs suggest a rising valuation. With continued performance, especially in international and franchise cricket, it’s only a matter of time before Forde’s financial ascent becomes publicly quantified.

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Brandon King Net Worth in 2025 Uncovered

West Indies top-order sensation Brandon King’s estimated net worth reflects his growing influence on and off the field

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Brandon King’s power shot in T20 cricket symbolizes the force behind both his runs and rising valuation.

Emerging as a standout performer for the West Indies since making his international debut in November 2019, Brandon King has not only solidified his place in top-order batting but has also steadily built a strong financial foundation. As of mid‑2025, several credible sources estimate his net worth to be between ₹32 crore (Indian rupees) and US $5 million

Translated to USD, ₹32 crore corresponds to approximately US $3.9 million, while an alternate figure commonly cited puts him at around $5 million . This variance reflects both endorsement potential and performance-based income.

Brandon King (West Indies Cricketer)



King’s primary earnings stem from multiple sources: his West Indies central contract, match fees across ODIs and T20Is, and significant returns from global T20 leagues—most notably the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi, and South Africa’s SA20 . A remarkable performance in the CPL, including a record-breaking 132*, greatly enhanced his market value and opened doors to lucrative franchise deals .

As a rising sports personality, King reportedly enjoys regional endorsements—though precise figures remain unconfirmed, the growth in his estimated net worth from ₹32 crore (~$3.9M) in 2024 to potentially $5M in 2025 suggests expanding off-field income streams .

Brandon King



At just 30 years old, King appears to be financially prudent. Though specific investments aren’t publicly documented, such a net worth at this career stage indicates disciplined earnings management and the potential for ventures beyond cricket.

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