Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals delivered a statement that echoed across the league: the Oklahoma City Thunder are not just a top seed—they are a legitimate threat to reach the NBA Finals. Despite a sluggish start and an uneven performance by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the first half, the Thunder pulled away in dominant fashion to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114–88 and seize a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The win wasn’t a product of perfection, but rather resilience, depth, and defense. Oklahoma City’s elite defensive unit, ranked best in the league throughout the regular season, stifled the Timberwolves’ offensive rhythm and forced 19 turnovers, converting them into a decisive 31 points.
“The defense gave us life,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who erupted for 20 of his 31 points in the second half. “We didn’t play our best early, but we stayed in it because of our effort on the defensive end.”
OKC Overcomes a Shaky Start
Game 1 wasn’t a wire-to-wire blowout—at least not at first. The Thunder trailed by four at halftime and seemed somewhat fatigued after a grueling seven-game series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. In contrast, Minnesota had a few extra days to rest after dispatching the Phoenix Suns.
Break down last night’s Game 1 W with 3 Things from @royceyoung 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/bQ6YBRWkGV
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 21, 2025
But once Oklahoma City found its groove, there was no looking back. The Thunder outscored the Wolves 70–40 in the second half, sparked by a stifling defense and a quickened offensive pace that left Minnesota reeling.
Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s ability to weather the early storm: “That first half wasn’t pretty, but we were still within striking distance. Once we made adjustments, the guys really locked in.”
Shai Shines Late, Williams Delivers Two-Way Brilliance
While Gilgeous-Alexander carried the scoring load, it was the defensive performance of Jalen Williams that turned heads. Williams recorded five steals and disrupted Minnesota’s passing lanes all night, fueling Oklahoma City’s fast break and energizing the crowd inside Paycom Center.
The Wolves simply had no answer for the Thunder’s depth and pressure. Oklahoma City’s ability to rotate defensively and contest every shot frustrated Minnesota, which managed just 40 points in the second half and shot under 43% from the field for the game.
“We’ve been preparing all year for moments like these,” said Williams. “We knew this would be a physical, grinding series, and it’s going to take our best effort every night.”
Timberwolves Struggle, Edwards Disappears
Much of the pregame spotlight was on Anthony Edwards, the rising superstar who had led Minnesota past the Suns with a series of explosive performances. But Game 1 saw a subdued version of the 22-year-old guard, who finished with just 18 points—and none in the fourth quarter.
“He’s young, but he’s learning,” said Wolves coach Chris Finch postgame. “We’re going to need him to bounce back quickly.”
Julius Randle was a bright spot for Minnesota, scoring 20 points in the first half, but was largely neutralized after halftime as the Thunder keyed in defensively. With little offensive support beyond Randle, the Wolves faltered under the weight of OKC’s defensive rotations and transition scoring.
The Wolves now face the tough task of regaining momentum in Game 2, set for Thursday at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN. Finch acknowledged his team’s lack of poise and physicality in the second half, vowing a different effort in the next contest.
“We got punched in the mouth,” he said. “Now it’s time to respond.”
Series Outlook: Can Minnesota Recover?
The Timberwolves have shown throughout the playoffs that they’re capable of adjusting and bouncing back. But Oklahoma City is not a team that gives away momentum easily. Their composure, versatility, and team-first mentality make them a daunting matchup, especially at home.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are proving that their youth is not a weakness—it’s a weapon. With players like Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, and Lu Dort all making valuable contributions on both ends, OKC is playing with the confidence and maturity of a veteran squad.
“We still haven’t played our best game,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “That’s what excites us.”
If Game 1 was a preview of what’s to come, fans should buckle up for a series full of adjustments, intensity, and star-driven storylines. Minnesota will need a significantly better performance from its core players to even the series, while the Thunder look to continue their surge and protect home court.
