Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 34 points as Thunder destroy Timberwolves 124-94 to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years.

Oklahoma City wins the Western Conference Finals 4-1, completing a stunning rise from rebuilding team to championship contender.

Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams deliver clutch support, while the Timberwolves crumble under playoff pressure.

Thunder fans erupt as starters rest with over five minutes left, sealing a dominant Game 5 blowout.

Oklahoma City awaits Pacers or Knicks in the Finals, with homecourt advantage locked i

Thunder vs Timberwolves: Shai Ignites OKC’s Return to Glory with NBA Finals Berth

Oklahoma City, we have liftoff. The Thunder are heading back to the NBA Finals in electrifying fashion after a jaw-dropping 124-94 demolition of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34-point masterclass, the Thunder wrapped up the series 4-1, sending a loud message to the rest of the league: they’re not just back — they’re coming for the crown.

A crowd that once saw Kevin Durant walk away and endured a grueling rebuild just a few seasons ago erupted in pure basketball ecstasy as Oklahoma City completed its epic rise from the ashes.

A Thunderstorm from the Start

Forget easing in. The Thunder unleashed fury right out of the gate, launching into an 11-3 run before Minnesota could blink. By the end of the first quarter, it was 26-9. Fans barely had time to grab popcorn before Cason Wallace hit a buzzer-beater three to stamp the opening period with authority.

By halftime? It was 65-32. Game over.

The Timberwolves — who entered the postseason as potential title contenders — were shell-shocked. Anthony Edwards, once the team’s fearless scoring machine, was bottled up and held to just 19 points. Julius Randle added 24, but it was never close.

Shai’s Showtime: MVP-Level Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played like a man possessed. He danced through defenders, drilled mid-range jumpers, hit clutch threes, and exploded to the rim with a calm, killer instinct. His 34 points weren’t just numbers — they were a statement: This is his team, his moment, and his era.

With his silky-smooth style, Shai carved up Minnesota’s defense like a hot knife through butter. The Timberwolves simply had no answers.

He wasn’t alone.

Holmgren the Hammer, Williams the Warrior

Chet Holmgren proved he’s not just a promising rookie — he’s a rising star. With 22 points, seven rebounds, and three brutal blocks, he owned the paint on both ends. Every time Minnesota tried to push back, Holmgren slammed the door shut.

And let’s talk about Jalen Williams, the Thunder’s quiet killer. He added 19 points and eight rebounds, crashing the glass and finishing strong around the rim. His physical play and hustle set the tone, adding another layer to OKC’s dangerous lineup.

OKC’s Full-Court Firepower

This wasn’t just one guy going off — it was a complete obliteration. Oklahoma City looked like a machine. Every pass had purpose. Every shot was taken in rhythm. It was basketball poetry, and the Timberwolves were helpless to stop it.

When the Thunder pulled their starters with 5:14 left — leading 108-74 — the celebration inside Paycom Center was deafening. A team that spent the last four seasons in rebuild mode had arrived, and arrived in style.

Minnesota Meltdown: Timberwolves Collapse on Biggest Stage

It’s going to be a long offseason for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota didn’t just lose — they got embarrassed. A 30-point loss to end your season is bad. Doing it in a game where the Finals are on the line? Devastating.

The Wolves were sloppy, shooting just 41.2% and coughing up 21 turnovers. Edwards looked fatigued, the bench provided little support, and Randle’s 24 points came too late to matter.

Coach Chris Finch will have to regroup. This was a talented squad that came up short when it mattered most.

From the Basement to the Summit: Thunder’s Rebuild Pays Off

Remember when OKC traded away Paul George and Russell Westbrook? Most thought they were headed for a decade in the NBA wilderness.

Instead, they drafted smart, developed talent, and built something special. Now, they’re not just good — they’re the best in the West.

With a 68-14 regular-season record, Oklahoma City owns homecourt advantage in the Finals. Whether it’s Indiana or New York, the road to the title now runs through OKC.

What’s Next: NBA Finals Await

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off June 5 in Oklahoma City. Their opponent? Still to be decided. The Pacers currently lead the Knicks 3-1, with Game 5 looming in New York.

Either way, the Thunder are rested, ready, and roaring with momentum.

This team is young, fast, fearless — and finally back on the game’s biggest stage.

Thunder Fans Unleashed: A City Reborn

Wednesday night wasn’t just a win. It was a catharsis.

Thunder fans, who watched stars leave and endured rebuilding pain, finally got to scream in celebration. The franchise hasn’t been this close to glory since 2012, when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden made a Finals run that ended in heartbreak.

Now, a new trio leads the charge: Shai. Holmgren. Williams.

And this time, the story might end differently.

Conclusion: Thunder Strike Hard — and the NBA is Officially on Notice

What Oklahoma City just did to Minnesota wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t luck. It was domination.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a full-blown superstar. Chet Holmgren is a defensive beast. Jalen Williams is a two-way nightmare. Together, they’ve turned Oklahoma City into a basketball juggernaut.

The NBA Finals are coming, and the Thunder are ready to rumble.

Let the title chase begin.