Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game 5: Oklahoma City Dominates Minnesota to Advance to NBA Finals 2025

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Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game 5: Oklahoma City Dominates Minnesota to Advance to NBA Finals 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops 34, Thunder Crush Timberwolves to Reach 2025 NBA Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed back to the NBA Finals — and they didn’t just punch their ticket, they kicked the door down. Behind another MVP-level performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a ruthless 124-94 blowout of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5, the Thunder have officially claimed the Western Conference crown. Now, just four wins separate them from the franchise’s first NBA championship since relocating to OKC in 2008.

Whether it’s the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks emerging from the East, one thing’s clear: the Thunder aren’t just contenders — they’re title favorites.

Key Highlights:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates with 34 points, securing Western Conference Finals MVP honors.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder crush Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to clinch their NBA Finals berth.
  • Thunder defense stifles Timberwolves, forcing 21 turnovers and holding Minnesota to just nine first-quarter points.
  • Thunder’s Big 3 (SGA, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams) combine for 75 points in Game 5 blowout.
  • OKC returns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, poised as favorites against either Indiana or New York.

Thunder’s Fast Start Leaves Minnesota Reeling

The Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals to secure a 4-1 series win and stake their claim as the Western Conference Champions. 

For Minnesota, this was more than a loss — it was a sobering end to a promising season. For Oklahoma City, it was another emphatic step in a playoff run that has them looking like the NBA title favorites, no matter who emerges from the East.

From the opening tip, it was clear which team came prepared to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals 2025. While Julius Randle knocked down a 3-pointer to open the scoring for Minnesota, that moment of optimism faded quickly. The Timberwolves then endured a brutal 1-for-11 shooting stretch that set the tone for the rest of the night.

By the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma City held a commanding 26-9 lead — Minnesota’s lowest-scoring quarter of the season. Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 12 points in the opening frame alone, outscoring the entire Timberwolves squad. Cason Wallace put an exclamation point on the quarter with a buzzer-beating 3 off a pass from SGA, igniting the home crowd and closing the door early on Minnesota’s hopes.

On a feed from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace made it worse by making a 3-pointer to beat the first-quarter buzzer.

SGA Claims Western Conference Finals MVP

The Thunder’s MVP candidate delivered yet another playoff masterpiece. Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting, adding eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. His complete dominance over the series earned him the Western Conference Finals MVP via unanimous vote.

His ability to control tempo, pressure defenses, and create for both himself and teammates continues to be the Thunder’s most lethal weapon this postseason.

Shai wasn’t alone in lighting up the stat sheet. Chet Holmgren delivered one of his most well-rounded playoff games to date, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, showcasing the versatile offense that has made OKC so dangerous.

Together, the Thunder’s Big 3 outclassed Minnesota’s top performers at every level. While Julius Randle (24 points, 5 rebounds) and Anthony Edwards (19 points, 6 rebounds) tried to keep Minnesota afloat, they received little help. Mike Conley went scoreless, Rudy Gobert attempted only one shot, and Jaden McDaniels struggled with a 2-of-13 shooting night.

Randle and Edwards were the only Timberwolves starters to score more than five points.

Thunder’s Big 3 Shine Again

OKC’s elite defense was on full display — again. The Thunder forced 21 Timberwolves turnovers, many of which led to fast break points. They also outrebounded Minnesota 46-39 and shot a blistering 52.3% from the field. Minnesota, by comparison, managed just 41.2%, including a woeful 3-of-20 showing in the first quarter alone.

In the first quarter, the Timberwolves went 3 for 20 from the field. They missed all nine 3-point attempts.

By halftime, Oklahoma City had built an insurmountable 65-32 lead. Minnesota had more turnovers (14) than made shots (12) by the break. The Thunder kept their foot on the gas until the job was done.

While Game 5 was a one-sided beatdown, the Thunder’s path to this point wasn’t without resistance. Their semifinal series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets went the distance, with OKC emerging victorious in Game 7 after wearing down Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s championship core.

In a tough seven-game test in the conference semifinals, the Denver Nuggets drove the Thunder to the limit.

Their earlier series against the Memphis Grizzlies was a clean sweep, and Minnesota, outside of Game 3, proved little more than a speed bump. The only blemish in this run? A 42-point road loss in Game 3 — the largest margin of defeat for the Thunder this season. But that game turned out to be an anomaly.

In response, the Timberwolves won Game 3 at home by 42 points, which was the Thunder’s biggest loss margin of the year. It was a mirage, though.

Oklahoma City responded with a hard-fought Game 4 win on the road, surviving every Minnesota rally and never relinquishing its second-half lead.

In Game 4, the Thunder had a response every time the Timberwolves rallied.

Oklahoma City Poised for First NBA Title Since 2008 Move

Since relocating from Seattle in 2008, the Thunder have flirted with greatness — highlighted by the 2012 Finals run featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. But this version of the Thunder might be even more dangerous. They’re not just a collection of stars — they’re a system built on chemistry, ball movement, defensive buy-in, and elite coaching.

The Thunder are just four victories away from winning the NBA championship.

Few teams in recent memory have combined youth, talent, and discipline the way Oklahoma City has this season. From SGA’s rise to superstardom to Holmgren’s two-way impact and Jalen Williams’ relentless versatility, this team isn’t just winning — it’s overwhelming its competition.

Throughout the regular season, the Thunder were the NBA’s top team, and they appear ready to contend for the championship.

What’s Next: NBA Finals Showdown Looms

With the Western Conference Championship secured, the Thunder now await their opponent from the East. Either they’ll face the Indiana Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton, or a miraculous comeback from the New York Knicks, who currently trail 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

But based on regular-season matchups, neither team has fared well against OKC. The Thunder swept both the Knicks and Pacers this year, winning three of those four games by double-digit margins.

Unless the Knicks pull off a stunning comeback from a 3-1 deficit, OKC will take on the Indiana Pacers, a squad that was spurred on by Tyrese Haliburton’s rise to prominence.

Defensively, the Pacers have yet to see a unit as aggressive or switchable as the Thunder’s. And for the Knicks — even with Jalen Brunson playing elite ball — Oklahoma City’s blend of length, youth, and tempo control may be too much.

In the regular season, the Thunder won three of their four games by double-digit margins and swept both opponents.

Final Word: Thunder in a League of Their Own

From start to finish in Game 5, the Thunder left no doubt. The Timberwolves were simply outmatched. Out-hustled. Out-shot. Out-thought. Oklahoma City is moving on, and they look ready to seize a championship that’s felt inevitable all year long.

On Wednesday, the Thunder forced 21 turnovers against the Timberwolves. 46-39 was the rebounding margin they were able to secure. They beat the Timberwolves in three-point shooting (40 to 35.3%), from the field (52.3% to 41.2%), and from the free-throw line (85.7% to 80%).

The series was done by Wednesday night when Game 5 was tipped.

The Thunder aren’t just advancing — they’re ascending.

Next stop: the NBA Finals.

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FAQ’s:

  1. Who won the Western Conference Finals MVP in 2025?
    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP after a dominant Game 5 performance.
  2. When was the last time the Oklahoma City Thunder reached the NBA Finals?
    The Thunder last reached the NBA Finals in 2012, featuring stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
  3. How did the Thunder defeat the Timberwolves in Game 5?
    The Thunder dominated Game 5 with a 124-94 victory, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points and elite team defense.
  4. Who will the Thunder face in the 2025 NBA Finals?
    The Thunder will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, pending the Eastern Conference Finals outcome.
  5. What was the largest margin of victory in the 2025 Western Conference Finals?
    The Thunder’s 124-94 Game 5 win was their largest margin of victory in the 2025 Western Conference Finals.
  6. How many points did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander average in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 11th 30+ point game during Game 5, consistently leading OKC in scoring.
  7. What was Minnesota’s lowest-scoring quarter in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
    The Timberwolves scored only nine points in the first quarter of Game 5, their lowest-scoring quarter of the season.
  8. Which players were key to Oklahoma City’s playoff success in 2025?
    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams led the Thunder’s playoff run with standout performances.
  9. Why are the OKC favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship?
    The OKC are favored due to their elite offense, lockdown defense, and dominant regular-season and playoff performance.
  10. How did the OKC perform against the Pacers and Knicks during the 2025 regular season?
    The OKC swept both the Pacers and Knicks during the regular season, winning three of four games by double digits.

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