Thunder secure first NBA finals appearance since 2012
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals with a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, May 28, closing out the Western Conference finals series 4-1. This marks the Thunder’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 and their second since relocating from Seattle.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points and was unanimously named MVP of the Western Conference finals, following his recent selection as the league’s MVP. He becomes the first player since Stephen Curry in the 2014-15 season with the potential to win both honors in the same year.

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Chet Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Oklahoma City recorded its fourth win of the postseason by 30 or more points, the most in a single playoff campaign in NBA history, according to ESPN Research.

The Thunder controlled the game from the opening tip, beginning with an 11-3 run and ending the first quarter with a 26-9 lead, capped by a 3-pointer from Cason Wallace. By halftime, the Thunder extended the lead to 65-32 and held a 26-point cushion entering the fourth quarter. Starters were pulled with just over five minutes remaining as Oklahoma City maintained a 34-point advantage.

Oklahoma City to face Pacers or Knicks in NBA finals

With the win, Oklahoma City awaits the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. The Pacers currently lead that series 3-1. The Thunder will hold home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, which begin June 5, due to their league-best 68-14 regular-season record.

This postseason success marks a major turnaround for a franchise that has rebuilt from near the bottom of the league just four years ago. The Thunder have never won an NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008, though the franchise previously won a championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

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The Timberwolves, who struggled throughout the game, shot 41.2% from the field and committed 21 turnovers. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points, and Anthony Edwards added 19. Despite a strong regular season and reaching the conference finals, Minnesota was unable to overcome Oklahoma City’s early momentum and consistent pressure.