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The Oklahoma City Thunder are making their return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, completing a remarkable playoff journey. They showcased their strength in the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5, securing their spot in the championship series.
Let’s delve into some notable statistics and highlights from OKC’s resurgence to the NBA Finals.
Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring during the regular season with an impressive average of 32.7 points per game and currently ranks second among active players in the 2025 playoff scoring list, averaging 29.9 points per game. However, the value of an MVP extends beyond just scoring; Gilgeous-Alexander has also demonstrated his capabilities as a facilitator throughout the season, averaging 6.4 assists per game in the regular season and 6.9 assists per game in the playoffs.
During the 2025 postseason, Gilgeous-Alexander has already recorded 10 games with at least 30 points and five assists. He is just two games shy of setting the record for the most 30-point, five-assist performances in NBA playoff history since 1963.
For Thunder supporters, it’s a stark contrast to recall that the team faced a heavy defeat in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, falling to Minnesota with a score of 143-101 on May 24. Historically, teams that lose a playoff game by such a substantial margin seldom go on to win the series, yet OKC has joined the ranks of only three teams in NBA history to rebound from a 40-point deficit in a single game to ultimately win the series.
In the 2025 playoffs, Oklahoma City has become accustomed to dominant victories. They have set a record for the most wins by 30 points or more in the postseason, and among the four teams that achieved this, two went on to win the championship—though the Thunder are aiming to make it three out of four in the near future.
In their decisive Game 5 against the Timberwolves, OKC swiftly established a commanding 26-9 lead after the first quarter and boosted their lead to as much as 39 points. Their overall victory margin stands as one of the largest in history for a conference finals clinching game.
As the 2024-25 season commenced, Oklahoma City held the distinction of having the youngest average age in the league at 24.148 years. Now, as they head to their second-ever NBA Finals, the Thunder are among the youngest franchises in NBA history to achieve this milestone so swiftly.
