NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Oklahoma City Thunder 114, Minnesota Timberwolves 88 (Final Score)
The Thunder now lead the series 1-0.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City.
In a decisive performance, the Thunder won Game 1 with a score of 114-88.
Although the first half was tightly contested, Oklahoma City surged ahead in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 70-40.
OKC exhibited dominance across the board, achieving a shooting accuracy of 50% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc, while restricting the Timberwolves to just 35% from the field and 29% on three-pointers.
Additionally, the Thunder recorded 13 steals and forced Minnesota into committing 17 turnovers.
The second game will take place in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
TEAM PLAY SHINES FOR THE THUNDER IN GAME 1!!!
THEY TAKE A 1-0 LEAD IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS ⛈️⛈️pic.twitter.com/bRfj8lVv7x
— NBA (@NBA)May 21, 2025
Leading the charge for OKC was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up 31 points, along with five rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.
Julius Randle contributed significantly for Minnesota with 28 points and eight rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting.
Jalen Williams also had a strong showing with 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards recorded 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Chet Holmgren added 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder took control of the game with a powerful 20-6 run to close out the third quarter, dominating the second half overall.
Oklahoma City’s defense played a crucial role, forcing Minnesota into 17 turnovers while amassing 13 steals.
They shot an impressive 50% from the floor and 52% from three-point territory, while holding the Timberwolves to lower percentages.
Looking ahead, Game 2 will take place in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Thunder makes their mark first ⚡️pic.twitter.com/zDWACytyyZ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)May 21, 2025
At one point, OKC held a 13-point advantage with a free throw from SGA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander converted a challenging shot while on his knees as part of a significant scoring run.
The Thunder maintained a 91-77 lead with just over six minutes left in the final quarter.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
WHAT AN EXCITING SEQUENCE FROM THE THUNDER ⛈️
Dort makes a defensive play at one end, followed by Shai’s and-one finish on the other.
OKC HOLDING THE LEAD LATE IN GAME 1 OF THE WEST FINALS on ESPN!!pic.twitter.com/p8qU8x16TK
— NBA (@NBA)May 21, 2025
Minnesota was ahead 60-56 at one point, but OKC came back with a 20-6 run to take control of the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had reached 23 points, with five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Jalen Williams contributed with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and five steals.
Though Julius Randle didn’t score in that quarter, he still led Minnesota with 20 points and four rebounds.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
SHAI MAKES THE BUCKET AND GETS FOULED 💪💪
The Thunder concluded the third quarter on a 20-6 surge, leading by ten heading into the fourth ⛈️
MIN-OKC | West Finals Game 1 | ESPNpic.twitter.com/bh9npfEVLp
— NBA (@NBA)May 21, 2025
Oklahoma City had a strong start to the second half with a 7-2 run.
They increased their lead to a game-high six points, aided by a 10-0 scoring streak, bringing the score to 66-60 midway through the third.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
SGA WITH A STEAL.JDUB WITH A FINE LAYUP.
Completing a 10-0 Thunder run in Game 1 👀pic.twitter.com/HbHUkadKW3
— NBA (@NBA)May 21, 2025
At this point, Julius Randle was the game’s top scorer with 20 points and three rebounds on 6-of-8 shooting.
Anthony Edwards tallied 13 points and five rebounds.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 11 points and four assists despite a struggle from the field, shooting 2-of-13.
Both teams were shooting under 38% from the floor.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
up at halftime.pic.twitter.com/x7YUzokHx7
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)May 21, 2025
Randle had 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc midway through the second quarter.
Minnesota was ahead of OKC, 40-36.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
Julius Randle is 4-5 from three-point range in the first half 🎯pic.twitter.com/ZE2GihiSne
— NBA TV (@NBATV)May 21, 2025
Both teams struggled with their shooting, remaining below 40% but Minnesota’s 5-of-11 from three was key in the first quarter.
Moreover, free throws helped keep OKC competitive, as they shot 7-of-11, whereas Minnesota recorded only 2-of-3.
The Timberwolves also had the edge in rebounding, 15-7.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
After the first quarterpic.twitter.com/zlxXCEUocn
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)May 21, 2025
Early concerns over the Timberwolves’ potential slow start following a week of rest were unfounded as they began strong.
Minnesota made their first three shots, securing an early 8-0 advantage.
Jaden McDaniels netted the first five points of the game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2)
Ant nails a three after the 8-0 start for Minnesota 🔥
The Western Conference Finals are finally off and running in OKC!pic.twitter.com/rKON8EOgOD
— NBA TV (@NBATV)May 21, 2025
The Conference Finals are underway as OKC and Minnesota face off in the Western Conference Finals.
This matchup features a new wave of NBA talent, led by young stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.
For live coverage, tune in to ESPN or ESPN2.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2 at 6:30 ET)
THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS ARE LIVE NOW ON ESPN 🍿
Ant and the Timberwolves vs. Shai and the Thunder.
WHO WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS???https://t.co/2R0af0TgDs
— NBA (@NBA)May 21, 2025
Minnesota has been a standout team so far, eliminating the Golden State Warriors in five games.
Anthony Edwards has raised his performance, averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals throughout the playoffs.
Julius Randle has also made his mark, averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2 at 6:30 ET)
WCF OPENING FIVE.pic.twitter.com/aD1eGQVtLy
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)May 21, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a strong contender for MVP, demonstrating his capabilities through the first two playoff rounds.
He’s currently averaging 29 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.5 steals in this postseason.
These numbers are comparable to his regular-season stats, but he faces a challenging matchup against a formidable Timberwolves defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Live on ESPN/ESPN2 at 6:30 ET)
Prepared to play 2️⃣pic.twitter.com/KgKk0aM49k
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)May 20, 2025
