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All the classic franchises are either enjoying the golf course, relaxing at the beach, or rethinking their strategies. In their absence, the Western Conference Finals will feature two teams with a combined history of just one NBA Finals appearance. However, in about two weeks, that figure is bound to change.
This shift was destined to happen, and as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves gear up for the conference finals, they do so with a thirst for victory and high anticipation. Importantly, they are led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, who symbolize the emerging generation of basketball stars. It’s highly probable that they will compete for the Magic Johnson trophy, awarded to the standout player of the Western Conference Finals.
In the regular season, the Timberwolves managed a split with the Thunder, 2-2, which is quite an accomplishment considering OKC won 68 games. During those matchups, Gilgeous-Alexander had scoring nights of 37, 39, and 40 points in three of the four games, but the playoffs often bring about tactical adjustments.
Thus, we have ourselves a series. Alongside Edwards, Minnesota boasts Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels, while Oklahoma City counters with Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren. Notably, Shai will be facing off against his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It should be an exciting matchup.
Here’s how you can catch the Thunder versus Timberwolves series:
All times are in Eastern Standard Time.
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Emerging stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards will clash in the Western Conference Finals.
Edwards is on a mission. When was the last time such a young talent was so determined to take down the legends of the sport? His home is adorned with the achievements of generational icons — Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and even a freshly mounted trophy of Stephen Curry from the taxidermist.
Edwards has defeated these NBA greats over the past year in the playoffs. Up next is Gilgeous-Alexander, which could prove to be the toughest yet, as the Thunder guard is backed by more support than most of those previously mentioned, and everyone knows he’s quite skilled himself.
This rivalry within the matchup promises electrifying moments and a ton of competitive spirit, as both players are eager to establish themselves as the best in the league. This series could be pivotal in determining who rises to that status.
On the defensive side, if you appreciate quick rotations, effective double-teams, rim protection, and relentless on-ball pressure, this series is tailor-made for you. These are the two remaining teams in the playoffs that execute defense most effectively. One can safely predict that the 2025 Western Conference Finals won’t devolve into a shootout, and you likely won’t see a team score over 130 points.
That said, it’s still possible for Gilgeous-Alexander, Edwards, or Randle to pop off for 30 points on occasion. All three are in form, and it’s tough to stifle offensive creativity for long. However, it will mean that those baskets earned by the scorers will come through hard work rather than convenience.
All season long, OKC has held the top spot defensively, while defense is the Timberwolves’ greatest strength. Minnesota will also aim to control the pace of the game. The first team to reach 100 wins? Well, perhaps 115.
For the Thunder, this series holds special significance for Holmgren, a native of Minneapolis. As a 6-foot-9 player who began his high school career averaging just 6.2 points and 3 rebounds, he’s come a long way, both in height and performance—though not necessarily in bulk.
His wingspan, ability to stretch the floor, agility, and shot-blocking can pose problems for the Wolves, not to mention he will be motivated to prove himself to his hometown. If there’s one player who could serve as a game-changer for the Thunder, it might just be Holmgren, who is poised to leap to new heights.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Randle is currently experiencing the finest stretch of his career. While he may not be the top performer for Minnesota this postseason, he has certainly been the most vital. His consistent postseason contributions — averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds across 10 games — are crucial for the Timberwolves’ progress.
Thus, in Minnesota’s inaugural playoff journey, it’s a winning situation not just for the team, but also for Randle. He has effectively redeemed himself from past playoff disappointments; previously unable to assist the Knicks due to injuries or underperformance, and now he has the Wolves fans cheering him on, unlike before.
Randle tallied 29 points as Minnesota eliminated the Golden State Warriors 121-110 in Game 5, securing a spot in the West Finals.
8.7 — The Thunder have outscored their opponents by an average of 8.7 points per game in the restricted area, the best differential in playoffs. This includes a dominant 54-32 margin in their Game 7 victory over the Nuggets.
Known for forcing turnovers, the Oklahoma City defense also excelled in rim protection during the regular season. When playing on the road*, they had the best percentage for opposing shots taken in the restricted area (23%) and ranked second in opponent field goal percentage (63.1%) in that area. Those figures have improved further in the postseason.
(* This adjustment allows for variations in shot locations based on different arenas.)
The Timberwolves hold the second-best restricted-area differential in the playoffs, outscoring opponents by 7.4 points per game at the rim. This statistic includes a commanding 62-30 edge while finishing off the Warriors in Game 5 of the conference semifinals. Just under 33% of the Wolves’ shots, the highest rate in the playoffs, have been taken in the restricted area.
Despite the league’s increasing trend of three-point shooting, the most valuable shots remain those taken at the rim. This is where the contest will commence.
— John Schuhmann
Thunder in six. Each team has a shot at greatness: OKC for winning 68 games and presenting a Kia MVP candidate, and Minnesota for being the hottest team in the West. However, the Wolves’ starting five must consistently deliver at their highest level — their bench doesn’t match up. The Thunder’s endurance will take its toll over time.
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Shaun Powell has reported on the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, find his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
