Sports
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.
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.