Thunder dominate early in Game 5, eye NBA finals berth against Timberwolves

Time of India

a day ago

Thunder build early lead in Game 5 against Timberwolves
The
Oklahoma City Thunder
surged to a commanding first-half lead over the Minnesota
Timberwolves
in Game 5 of the
Western Conference Finals
. Behind a fast-paced offense and stifling defense, the Thunder led 53-27 midway through the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Jalen Williams was pivotal early, recording nine points, five rebounds, and a +21 plus-minus rating. His standout play included a steal and fast-break layup where he avoided Terrence Shannon Jr. in transition.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
and Chet Holmgren combined for 19 points in the opening quarter, powering Oklahoma City to a 26-9 lead. Holmgren contributed seven points in the early minutes, while Gilgeous-Alexander added 12 to maintain momentum.
Defensively, the Thunder held the Timberwolves to just 16.7 per cent shooting from the floor and 11.1 per cent from three-point range through the opening frame. Oklahoma City's defensive execution continued into the second quarter, highlighted by Alex Caruso forcing turnovers and setting up transition opportunities, including a dunk by Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Thunder's defense continues to disrupt Timberwolves' offense
Oklahoma City's defensive schemes have successfully limited Minnesota's scoring output throughout the series, and Game 5 followed a similar pattern. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards struggled to find rhythm against tight coverage from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. Their perimeter pressure denied Edwards clean looks and restricted his shot attempts.
'I got to take shots but not selfish shots. They were shooting the gaps. I just didn't get enough chances to shoot the ball. It was what they were doing, not what I didn't do,' Edwards said after Game 4.
The Thunder's defensive formula has proven effective, particularly in keeping the Timberwolves' supporting cast from gaining traction. Through the early stages of Game 5, Minnesota shot just 3-for-20 from the field and 1-for-9 from beyond the arc, trailing significantly in all statistical categories.
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Minnesota will need improved offensive contributions from Julius Randle, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Donte DiVincenzo to remain competitive. With their season on the line, the Timberwolves face the added pressure of winning on the road in a hostile playoff environment.
Western Conference finals nears conclusion, Eastern Conference awaits
Entering Game 5, Oklahoma City held a 3-1 series lead and looked to close out the Timberwolves at home. A win would secure the Thunder's first trip to the
NBA Finals
since 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly named Kia NBA MVP, has averaged 30.8 points and 8.3 assists per game in the series.
The Thunder have showcased depth and composure throughout the postseason, with Holmgren and Williams emerging as consistent contributors alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. Their balanced approach has propelled the team to the brink of the Finals.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers hold a 3-1 series advantage over the New York Knicks. Game 5 of that series will be held Thursday at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will try to avoid elimination.
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Oklahoma City remains focused on completing the task at hand. If the Thunder close out the Timberwolves in Game 5, they will advance to face the Eastern Conference champion in the 2025 NBA Finals.