Oklahoma City Thunder Overcome Timberwolves in Game 1 Win

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a decisive 114-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 21, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Kia NBA MVP candidate, dominated the second half, scoring 20 of his 31 points to lead his team.

The Thunder struggled initially, trailing by four points at halftime, but they rallied in the second half, ultimately overpowering the Timberwolves. Coach Mark Daigneault noted, “We lost the round but we didn’t get knocked out.”

Oklahoma City’s defense proved crucial, limiting Minnesota to just 40 points in the second half. Jalen Williams was a standout player, recording five steals and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive effort. The Timberwolves, known for their earlier success, failed to adapt, as their star player Anthony Edwards scored only 18 points, with no contributions in the fourth quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander capitalized on opportunities at the foul line, earning 14 free throw attempts, which frustrated the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels, their best on-ball defender, struggled with foul trouble, having to sit out in critical moments. Head coach Chris Finch acknowledged the need for the team to maintain composure in future games.

In addition, Oklahoma City’s big men, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, excelled against Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, combining for 27 points and 12 rebounds while effectively neutralizing Gobert’s presence on the court. Finch emphasized the necessity for the Timberwolves to reassess their rotations following this game.

The Thunder are optimistic moving forward, with Game 2 set for Thursday, putting them in a strong position to assert dominance in the series. “Our offense needs to be more patient,” Finch said, as he looks to improve performance after a difficult start.