NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder Dominate Timberwolves to Take Game 1 in Western Conference Finals
The Western Conference Finals tipped off in electrifying fashion as the Oklahoma City Thunder drew first blood against the Minnesota Timberwolves, sealing a commanding 114-88 victory in Game 1.
It was a sluggish start for both sides offensively. The first half was marred by poor shooting, with the Thunder hitting just 15 of 40 from the field, and the Timberwolves not much better at 15 of 43. Minnesota kept it close thanks to superior perimeter shooting—10 of 28 from beyond the arc—compared to just 3 of 8 from Oklahoma.
Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled mightily early on, going just 2-for-13 from the field in the first half. However, his aggressive drives earned him a plethora of free-throws, keeping his team in the game. For the Wolves, Julius Randle caught fire, draining 5 of his 6 three-point attempts en route to a strong half. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein anchored Oklahoma inside, going 5-for-7 and dominating the paint.
The game turned in the third quarter. With the home crowd roaring, the Thunder exploded on a 17-2 run to seize control, entering the final period up by 10. From there, their defense clamped down, stifling any comeback attempt from Minnesota. Oklahoma closed out the game in style, outscoring the Wolves 38-22 in the fourth quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander silenced his critics with a second-half surge, finishing as the game’s top scorer with 31 points. His turnaround performance proved pivotal in Oklahoma’s emphatic win.
NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Finals, Game 1
Oklahoma City Thunder 114 – 88 Minnesota Timberwolves
Quarter Scores: (20–23, 24–25, 32–18, 38–22)
Series Lead: Thunder 1–0
