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No Mercy, Just Thunder: OKC Blasts Into NBA Finals With Statement Win Over Wolves
Photo credit: NBA
From the opening tip, you could feel it — this wasn’t going to be a polite closeout. There was a steal, a thunderous dunk, a smothering double-team, and a block that turned into a transition jumper. And that was before Oklahoma City really turned it on.
The Thunder were a team on a mission Wednesday night, and unfortunately for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they were simply in the way.
With a dominant 124-94 Game 5 win, OKC sealed the Western Conference Finals in just five games and officially punched their ticket to the NBA Finals — their first appearance since 2012. And if you’ve been watching this team all season long, this result? Not shocking.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a flex. The 68-win, top-seeded Thunder looked every bit the title favorite they’ve been all year — locking down on defense, moving the ball with precision, and showcasing why they might just be the best team in the NBA. Again.
Here’s what stood out as OKC sent a loud-and-clear message to the rest of the league:
1. The New Big 3 Has Arrived
It’s wild to think how history is kind of repeating itself. Back in 2012, it was Durant, Westbrook, and Harden leading OKC to the Finals. Now, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams making their own mark.
This trio doesn’t just play well together — they complement each other. Shai’s the calm assassin, Holmgren’s the shot-blocking unicorn, and J-Dub is the glue with bursts of takeover moments. And they’re all young — scary young.
Against Minnesota, they were locked in. Holmgren protected the rim and stretched the floor, Williams did a bit of everything, and Shai? He handled business like the star he’s become.
“We’ve been able to grow from the experience,” Williams said. And with this core, it looks like OKC might be growing into something even more dangerous.
2. Shai’s Season Could Be One for the Books
Let’s talk about the man of the moment. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already has a packed résumé this season — MVP, All-NBA, scoring champ, and now Western Conference Finals MVP.
In the Game 5 clincher, he dropped 34 and was involved in OKC’s first five buckets. He didn’t just lead — he set the tone. That’s what superstars do.
“He was ready to play from the jump,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. And he hasn’t let up since October.
There’s a real chance this season ends with Shai hoisting two more trophies. And if he does? His name starts getting mentioned in even bigger conversations.
3. Anthony Edwards Gets Another Hard Lesson
Let’s give credit where it’s due: back-to-back trips to the conference finals by age 23 is impressive. But once again, Anthony Edwards ran into a buzzsaw — this time in the form of SGA.
Edwards had moments, sure. But OKC made him work for everything, and when it mattered most, he vanished for stretches.
He’s got the talent. Now it’s about consistency and growth. Losing like this might sting, but if it motivates him the right way, it could be the turning point.
4. Big Decisions Loom for the Wolves
Minnesota has some tough questions to answer this summer. Julius Randle (player option), Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all free agents. Keeping all three? That could blow up their budget.
Randle showed flashes but also some flaws. Reid’s been valuable, and Alexander-Walker played his role well. But decisions are coming — and with a new ownership group officially taking over, this will be a defining offseason for the Wolves.
5. Defense Still the Thunder’s Calling Card
Don’t let the offensive fireworks fool you — this OKC team is winning with defense. In Game 5, Minnesota managed just nine points in the first quarter. Nine.
“We dictated how we wanted to attack the game, how we wanted to attack the ball,” Shai said.
Whether it was pressure on the ball, switching with purpose, or rotating like clockwork, OKC made every possession a chore for the Wolves. When open shots did come, they often missed — partly because they were so rare.
If defense really does win championships, OKC might be holding all the right cards heading into the Finals.
What’s Next?
Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off next Thursday in Oklahoma City. Their opponent? Either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks. But honestly, does it matter?
The Thunder just sent a warning shot to the entire league — and they’re not done yet.
As Shai put it: “This isn’t our goal. We have one more round, and we just need to keep getting better.”
If they do, the last team standing might just be the one with a lightning bolt on their chest.
The Thunder were a team on a mission Wednesday night, and unfortunately for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they were simply in the way.
With a dominant 124-94 Game 5 win, OKC sealed the Western Conference Finals in just five games and officially punched their ticket to the NBA Finals — their first appearance since 2012. And if you’ve been watching this team all season long, this result? Not shocking.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a flex. The 68-win, top-seeded Thunder looked every bit the title favorite they’ve been all year — locking down on defense, moving the ball with precision, and showcasing why they might just be the best team in the NBA. Again.
Here’s what stood out as OKC sent a loud-and-clear message to the rest of the league:
1. The New Big 3 Has Arrived
It’s wild to think how history is kind of repeating itself. Back in 2012, it was Durant, Westbrook, and Harden leading OKC to the Finals. Now, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams making their own mark.
This trio doesn’t just play well together — they complement each other. Shai’s the calm assassin, Holmgren’s the shot-blocking unicorn, and J-Dub is the glue with bursts of takeover moments. And they’re all young — scary young.
Against Minnesota, they were locked in. Holmgren protected the rim and stretched the floor, Williams did a bit of everything, and Shai? He handled business like the star he’s become.
“We’ve been able to grow from the experience,” Williams said. And with this core, it looks like OKC might be growing into something even more dangerous.
2. Shai’s Season Could Be One for the Books
Let’s talk about the man of the moment. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already has a packed résumé this season — MVP, All-NBA, scoring champ, and now Western Conference Finals MVP.
In the Game 5 clincher, he dropped 34 and was involved in OKC’s first five buckets. He didn’t just lead — he set the tone. That’s what superstars do.
“He was ready to play from the jump,” said head coach Mark Daigneault. And he hasn’t let up since October.
There’s a real chance this season ends with Shai hoisting two more trophies. And if he does? His name starts getting mentioned in even bigger conversations.
3. Anthony Edwards Gets Another Hard Lesson
Let’s give credit where it’s due: back-to-back trips to the conference finals by age 23 is impressive. But once again, Anthony Edwards ran into a buzzsaw — this time in the form of SGA.
Edwards had moments, sure. But OKC made him work for everything, and when it mattered most, he vanished for stretches.
He’s got the talent. Now it’s about consistency and growth. Losing like this might sting, but if it motivates him the right way, it could be the turning point.
4. Big Decisions Loom for the Wolves
Minnesota has some tough questions to answer this summer. Julius Randle (player option), Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all free agents. Keeping all three? That could blow up their budget.
Randle showed flashes but also some flaws. Reid’s been valuable, and Alexander-Walker played his role well. But decisions are coming — and with a new ownership group officially taking over, this will be a defining offseason for the Wolves.
5. Defense Still the Thunder’s Calling Card
Don’t let the offensive fireworks fool you — this OKC team is winning with defense. In Game 5, Minnesota managed just nine points in the first quarter. Nine.
“We dictated how we wanted to attack the game, how we wanted to attack the ball,” Shai said.
Whether it was pressure on the ball, switching with purpose, or rotating like clockwork, OKC made every possession a chore for the Wolves. When open shots did come, they often missed — partly because they were so rare.
If defense really does win championships, OKC might be holding all the right cards heading into the Finals.
What’s Next?
Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off next Thursday in Oklahoma City. Their opponent? Either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks. But honestly, does it matter?
The Thunder just sent a warning shot to the entire league — and they’re not done yet.
As Shai put it: “This isn’t our goal. We have one more round, and we just need to keep getting better.”
If they do, the last team standing might just be the one with a lightning bolt on their chest.
May 29, 2025
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