Timberwolves’ Mike Conley Looks for First NBA Finals Appearance

SAN FRANCISCO – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. was dancing after his pregame workout at the Chase Center on May 20, 2025, while the Warriors’ deejay D-Sharp played Future‘s, “Life is Good.” After his routines, the 37-year-old took a leap to attempt a dunk, succeeding on his second try.

“I’ve been doing that basically all this season,” Conley said. “My trainers and teammates told me I couldn’t dunk. I want to show them that I can still do it at this age.” Conley is aiming to become one of the oldest first-time NBA champions as the Timberwolves head into the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year.

The Timberwolves have never reached the NBA Finals, falling in the Western Conference finals in 2004 and 2024. They face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the conference as the No. 1 seed and average just 24 years of age. The two teams meet tonight in Game 1, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“I’m excited for the challenge,” Conley said. “We trained hard for this moment. Competing against one of the best teams in the league, it should be a great series.”

This is Conley’s third opportunity to reach the NBA Finals. His first was in 2013 with the Memphis Grizzlies, who were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Last year, at age 36, Conley and the Timberwolves lost in five games to the Dallas Mavericks.

“I thought it was a special year,” Conley reflected on last year’s loss. “I wondered how long it would take to get back here. Will it be next year? I questioned if it was my last chance.”

Drafted fourth overall by the Grizzlies in 2007, Conley is one of the few remaining players from that class. He shares the league with others like Kevin Durant and Al Horford, who recently won his first title at 37. Conley is currently among the 10 oldest players in the NBA, with LeBron James at 40 being the oldest.

<p“Being this age is both intimidating and an honor,” Conley said. “I need to accept it and celebrate that I’m still thriving in the game.”

Despite a lingering left wrist injury that affected his play and limited training last summer, Conley played 82 games this season, his most since 2012-13. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists this year while managing his time on the court to preserve energy.

“One of the hardest injuries has been my wrist,” he said. “I had to be in a cast for two months last summer, which severely affected my shooting ability.”

Conley aims to play for 20 years. Next season will be his 19th as he finishes his contract with the Timberwolves. He credits lifestyle changes, such as avoiding red meat and following a strict diet, to keep him on the court.

“I wake up around the same time and often fast until after 11 a.m. My diet and recovery tactics are crucial as I age,” Conley explained.

Alongside his serious training, Conley misses time with his family. He recently missed his son Noah’s birthday due to playoff commitments. “It was tough not being there, but my wife ensured he had a great time,” he shared.

Though he trains with younger players on the team, including 23-year-old All-Star Anthony Edwards, Conley remains passionate about basketball. “If I ever stop enjoying this, it’s time to retire. I love being around these guys,” he said, emphasizing the importance of not taking his opportunities for granted.

As Game 1 of the Western Conference finals approaches, Conley hopes to lead Minnesota toward its first Finals. “This is just the beginning for us,” Conley stated confidently.