Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade, clinching a commanding 124-94 victory in Game 5 to complete their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 4-1 record. The contest was largely one-sided, with the Thunder maintaining a lead for the final 45 minutes and never facing serious opposition. Below are five key insights from Wednesday’s decisive game.
1. The Thunder-Nuggets Series: A Potential NBA Championship Showdown
While the Timberwolves managed a convincing win in Game 3 and kept Game 4 close, their other defeats in the series were by a combined margin of 71 points. Minnesota boasts a rising star in Anthony Edwards, who scored 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting in Game 5, accompanied by three turnovers. However, their overall performance fell short.
In contrast, the Denver Nuggets pushed the series to seven games, losing two tightly contested matchups and suffering a blowout in the decisive Game 7 after Aaron Gordon’s hamstring injury. Although Denver’s defense isn’t as celebrated as Minnesota’s, they executed crucial stops in clutch moments, a feat the Timberwolves struggled to replicate. The Nuggets also secured a victory in Oklahoma City and were tied in the final moments of another game, while the Timberwolves were overwhelmed on the road.
It’s possible that Nikola Jokic, arguably the best player this season alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the combination of Gordon’s physicality with his three-point shooting, could counter the Thunder’s formidable defense. Nonetheless, the upcoming second-round series promises to be a significant test for Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sets the Tone Early
Following a heavy defeat in Game 3 and a narrow victory in Game 4, the MVP candidate wasted no time asserting dominance in Game 5. Gilgeous-Alexander initiated the game by assisting on the Thunder’s first three baskets, two of which were dunks, and then scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the first quarter. His early contributions included three rebounds and five assists, totaling 24 points in the opening period alone, while the Timberwolves managed only nine points as a team.
He finished with an impressive 34 points, complemented by seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Shooting 14-of-25 (56%) from the field and knocking down two three-pointers, Gilgeous-Alexander played most of the game’s final quarter, sitting out only three minutes. With 20 points at halftime and the Thunder holding a 33-point lead, the outcome was effectively sealed.
3. Turnover Troubles and Defensive Prowess
Despite their offensive struggles, the Timberwolves’s inability to protect the ball was a critical factor. They committed 21 turnovers in Game 5, following a similar pattern of 23 turnovers in Game 4. Over the entire series, Minnesota averaged 17.4 turnovers per game, totaling 87 in five contests.
While the Timberwolves lament their defensive lapses, the Thunder’s defensive discipline was equally impressive. Throughout the season, Oklahoma City averaged just 11.7 turnovers committed per game and forced opponents into an average of 17 turnovers. Denver’s defense, for comparison, forced 17 turnovers per game in the second round, and Memphis averaged 19.3 in the first round. If the Thunder advance to face the Indiana Pacers, who are leading the New York Knicks 3-1 in their series, their defensive pressure could prove decisive, especially considering Indiana’s reputation for minimizing turnovers this season.
4. Rethinking the Future of Julius Randle and Minnesota
While Julius Randle’s role in helping the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals is noteworthy, his performance against the Thunder was underwhelming. Randle scored 24 points in Game 5, including four three-pointers, but was a -28 in plus-minus over 31 minutes. His offensive game was inconsistent, averaging 25.3 points across three games but scoring just 5 and 6 in others.
With a player option worth nearly $31 million for the 2025-26 season, Randle’s future with Minnesota is uncertain. Despite the team’s satisfaction with his contributions this season, his multiple turnovers-four or more in four games against Oklahoma City-highlight his volatility. If Minnesota aims to build a more sustainable championship core, they may need to consider whether Randle remains the right second star, either for the upcoming season or long-term.
5. Anthony Edwards: A Promising Star Still Finding His Path
Anthony Edwards, who earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team this season, is undeniably an emerging superstar. However, his performance in this series was somewhat subdued. Averaging 23 points per game, Edwards shot 47.1% overall and only 28.2% from beyond the arc. His playmaking improved, but his shooting struggles from deep limited his impact.
Faced with the Thunder’s aggressive defense, Edwards often settled for contested three-pointers instead of attacking the rim. His effort on defense appeared to wane when his offensive production dipped, which is a concern for his development as a franchise cornerstone. To elevate his game, Edwards might need to develop a more reliable mid-range and floater game to navigate playoff defenses effectively or find better ways to create scoring opportunities when double-teamed.
Having now experienced back-to-back Western Conference Finals disappointments, Edwards still has room to grow before he can be confidently regarded as the NBA’s future face, especially with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poised to dominate the league for years to come.
