Oklahoma City Thunder advance to NBA finals after dominant series win over Timberwolves
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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You)
Container House | Search ads
Search Now
Undo
Also read:
Thunder dominate early in Game 5, eye NBA finals berth against Timberwolves
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.
Live Events
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.
Also read:
NBA playoffs 2025 schedule, bracket, date, live streaming, where to watch
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
27 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Packers' Keisean Nixon now says he remains open to possibility of returning kickoffs
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon remains open to the possibility of returning kickoffs and says he regrets comments he made immediately after the 2024 season indicating otherwise. Nixon, an All-Pro kickoff returner in 2022 and 2023, said the day after the Packers' 22-10 playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that he's 'kind of through with' returning kicks. Nixon had a different take on the subject Tuesday while speaking during the Packers' organized team activities. 'Of course, I'm open to it,' Nixon said. 'I'm always going to do what the team needs.' Nixon's reluctance about returning kicks stemmed in part because of his increasing role on defense. Nixon said at the time that 'I want to be CB1' and added that 'CB1 is not doing kick returns. That's just what it is.' 'That's a comment I probably could have kept to myself, for sure, but it is what it is,' Nixon said Tuesday. 'I meant what I said, but I'm also a team player. And if the coach and the team need me to do something, I'm going to do it, for sure.' Nixon also wasn't happy with the impact of the dynamic kickoff format that took effect last season. Nixon averaged 29.3 yards on 18 kickoff returns in the 2024 regular season and fumbled the opening kickoff of that playoff loss. He had 35 kickoff returns in 2022 and 30 in 2023. NFL owners voted to move touchbacks on kickoffs from the 30 to the 35 this season, but Nixon has doubts about whether that will lead to more returns. He believes teams still won't want to risk the possibility that he makes a big play. 'The rule change don't matter,' Nixon said. 'I don't think they'll fully kick me the ball. They'd rather get it at the 35 than give it at the 50.' The Packers have other options to return kicks. Green Bay added former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who has 45 career kick returns and 89 punt returns. The two receivers Green Bay drafted – Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third – had experience returning kicks in college. Nixon wants to build on what he accomplished on defense last year. His role expanded when two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander played just seven games because of injuries to his knee, quadriceps and groin. Alexander remains on Green Bay's roster, but isn't present for organized team activities as his future with the team remains uncertain. 'I love to play with Jaire,' Nixon said. 'That's just what it is since I've been here. Jaire pushed me to be really who I am because it's always friendly competition between me and him. Whatever happens, happens. We don't have control over that. If he's here, we're going to rock out. If he's not, we're still going to rock out.' Whether or not Alexander plays for the Packers this season, Nixon figures to have major responsibilities on defense again. After most of his previous defensive snaps came as a nickel, Nixon showed an ability to adapt to a new assignment last year. 'To his credit, he's shown a lot of versatility, you know, in terms of how we've used him in the past, switching him from inside to outside,' coach Matt LaFleur said. 'I think he did a lot of great things last year, primarily playing on the outside.' The 27-year-old Nixon believes he still has plenty of room to grow as he enters his seventh NFL season since he played so little defense early in his career. Nixon started his career with Oakland in 2019 and never played more than 15% of the Raiders' defensive snaps in any of his three seasons with them before joining the Packers in 2022. He played 94.1% of Green Bay's defensive snaps last season. 'I don't feel like I'm an old guy yet,' Nixon said. 'I'm in year seven, but my body feels like I'm on year four. Because with the Raiders, I don't feel like I was really on the team, for real. I was just making money, I guess. It's just what it was. When I got here, I feel like I was a rookie.' NOTES: DL Kenny Clark said he underwent surgery on his right foot after the season as he dealt with bunions and bone spurs. Clark, who has been limited in OTAs, says he injured the foot during the Packers' season-opening loss to the Eagles in Brazil. … DL Lukas Van Ness said he wore a full cast up until 'about week 10 or 11' while playing with a broken right thumb last year. /hub/nfl
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Atlanta Hawks could be eyeing blockbuster trade for Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant to pair with Trae Young
As Durant's future in Phoenix remains uncertain, a surprising contender may be emerging in the race for the superstar's services. According to Hoops Wire's Sam Amico, the Atlanta Hawks have begun internal discussions about pursuing Durant, despite not yet naming a new president of basketball operations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the Suns reportedly exploring trade options for the 36-year-old forward ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hawks' potential involvement adds a new twist to the developing offseason narrative. Atlanta Hawks join Kevin Durant trade talks as Phoenix Suns weigh major roster moves The are expected to be active on the trade front this summer following a disappointing 36–46 finish to the 2024–25 season. Among the biggest storylines? The future of . And as teams across the league evaluate their chances at landing the two-time NBA champion, Atlanta is quietly stepping into the picture. On Tuesday, Hoops Wire's Sam Amico reported: 'One league source told Hoops Wire not to be surprised if the Hawks get involved in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. While they have yet to hire a president of basketball operations, team ownership has already inquired internally about Durant, sources said.' The ' front office has long been searching for a co-star to pair with , who continues to be the face of the franchise. Their inability to do so has even stirred up rumors about Young's long-term future in Atlanta. But instead of shifting gears, the organization appears to be doubling down on trying to build around him. The potential of pairing Durant with Young—and possibly rising names like Dyson Daniels and —could elevate the Hawks from Play-In regulars to genuine Eastern Conference threats. The team also has intriguing trade chips, including and , which could appeal to the Suns, who are said to value a starting-caliber center. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Still, Durant holds a full no-trade clause and will ultimately control his destination. He is eligible for a two-year extension this summer, making his willingness to re-sign a major factor. Other teams, including the Rockets, Knicks, Spurs, and Heat, are also reportedly in the mix. Also Read: While Atlanta may not be the obvious choice for a player of Durant's stature, their interest is real, and the possibility shouldn't be dismissed. With internal discussions already underway, the Hawks could quickly become a serious player in what's shaping up to be a wild offseason for the Suns and one of the league's all-time greats.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
New York Knicks part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after historic Eastern Conference Finals run and best season in 25 years
(Image Source - Getty Images) The New York Knicks have announced that they are letting go of head coach Tom Thibodeau just days after the team had one of its best seasons in 25 years. He got the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in two decades and earned an impressive 51–31 record, yet he was let go abruptly. The signing proves that the organization is strongly committed to winning its first NBA championship since 1973. New York Knicks opt for new leadership after Thibodeau 's five-season tenure It is obvious that Tom Thibodeau is having a strong impact on the New York Knicks. Since he became a part of the team in 2020, he has turned a failing franchise into an important playoff contender. With his leadership, the Knicks finished the regular season with a 226–174 (.565) record and reached the playoffs in all but one of the five seasons, finally getting to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2024–25 season. This season will remain in our memories for a very long time. The team finished the season with a 51–31 record which was their best record since 2012–2013 and was ranked third in the Eastern Conference. They won their first two matches in the playoffs: they eliminated the Detroit Pistons in six games and then beat the defending champion Boston Celtics in another six games to get to the Eastern Conference Finals. Sadly, the Pacers denied the Knicks their hopes for a championship and New York fell in six games. Despite these achievements, the Knicks' front office decided a change was necessary. Team president Leon Rose stated, "Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction" . The decision has been met with surprise, especially given the team's recent success and Thibodeau's role in revitalizing the franchise. Players have expressed their support for Thibodeau. Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who had a standout season and was named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year, defended his coach, stating, "Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe that he's the right guy? Yes. Come on" . Teammate Josh Hart also shared his appreciation for Thibodeau on social media, highlighting the strong bond between the coach and his players. Also Read: Tony Buzbee Says No to Moriah Mills' Zion Williamson Case Amid NBA Star's Ongoing Civil Lawsuit Tom Thibodeau's firing signals the close of an important era for the New York Knicks. His time with the team brought a fresh sense of hope and competitiveness, but the organization's choice shows their unwavering drive for an NBA title. As the Knicks look for new leadership, the groundwork Thibodeau established will surely shape the team's path ahead.
