Latest news with #Holmgren
Miami Herald
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Thunder thrash Wolves in Game 5, storm into NBA Finals
Even before the basket went in, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spread his arms wide to his side in celebration. Cason Wallace left his right arm high in the air, just waiting for the ball to drop through the basket. Soon enough, inevitably, it did. Wallace's corner 3-pointer at the buzzer was the exclamation point on a dominant first quarter for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who rode the hot start to a 124-94 home win that ended the Western Conference finals in Game 5 on Wednesday. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series. "I didn't want to go back to Minnesota travel-wise and I wanted the fans to enjoy the moment with us," Gilgeous-Alexander said. The Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 and the fifth time in franchise history. The first three appearances came when the club was based in Seattle. Oklahoma City will host Game 1 of the Finals against either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks on June 5. "Happy for this moment, but this isn't our goal," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "This isn't the end of our road." The Wednesday outcome was evident early, as the Thunder buried the Timberwolves under the weight of a stifling defense and playmaking by Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City put the game away quickly, leading by 17 after the first quarter and 33 at halftime. The Timberwolves saw their season end in the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year. "I'm going to work my butt off this summer," Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said. "Nobody's going to work harder than me this summer, I'll tell you that much." Gilgeous-Alexander dished out five of his assists in the opening quarter as he again showed why he was selected the NBA's Most Valuable Player. After the Timberwolves scored the game's first hoop, Gilgeous-Alexander had a hand in all five Oklahoma City baskets during an 11-0 run that started the Thunder's march toward the blowout. In that stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander had four assists -- three on Holmgren buckets -- and drained a finger roll to start the separation. On Monday, the Timberwolves started Game 4 red hot from the field but ultimately fell 128-126. On Wednesday, Minnesota struggled on offense from the start, going just 1-for-11 from the field over the first five minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander outscored Minnesota in the first quarter 12-9 and scored or assisted on 24 of the Thunder's 26 first-quarter points. Minnesota had more turnovers in the first half (14) than it did field goals (12). The Timberwolves finished with 21 turnovers. Holmgren amassed 22 points and seven rebounds while Williams had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. "These guys really make me feel like I'm a kid playing AAU basketball, like I'm 15 years old again," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "It's just fun. That's what makes us really good. We have so much fun being out there together." Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points while Edwards scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting. "They dominated the game from the tip," Edwards said. "Can't do nothing but tip my hat to those guys. They came ready." --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
From hip fracture to NBA Finals, Chet Holmgren reflects on long season journey
From hip fracture to NBA Finals, Chet Holmgren reflects on long season journey Like angering The Hulk, Chet Holmgren's basketball superpowers have grown the deeper the Thunder have gone in the playoffs. A three-month layoff from a hip fracture was quite the traffic jam the 23-year-old was stuck in for his season, but he's finally back to the open road and flirting with 85 MPH. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Big 3 headlined another playoff win. Holmgren finished with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds and three blocks. He shot 2-of-4 from 3 and went 4-of-6 on free throws. He also had three blocks. The Thunder jogged to an NBA Finals berth with their 124-94 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to capture the Western Conference Finals. They steamrolled through the West with a 12-4 playoff record. When the Thunder drafted Holmgren, this was likely what they envisioned as his peak. A swat-shot machine that altered how often the opposition attacked the paint. Whether Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle, Minnesota's best players second-guessed themselves to the point they couldn't generate good looks. On the other end, Holmgren was busy underneath the rim. The seven-footer is the perfect play finisher and frequently cleans up his teammates' misses for easy second-chance buckets. When the jumper gets going like it did tonight, watch out. Things can get scary. This was the best the Thunder's star trio has looked. Before, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the one constant while Jalen Williams and Holmgren juggled between success and struggles. But for most of this series, the trio was equally dominant and helped OKC not get too anxious about the result of the Western Conference Finals. But talk about a long season for Holmgren. You can break it apart into several chapters centered around his hip injury. It's only been seven months since he fell against the Golden State Warriors and needed help off the floor. But it's felt like seven years. Safe to say he's back to form and playing a big role in OKC's NBA Finals berth was well worth the wait and struggles. "Obviously, I thought about it. Before getting hurt, it felt like it wasn't even the same season," Holmgren said. "We're still in this thing. Kinda thinking more about what we'll be doing moving forward than where we've been."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chet Holmgren sets franchise record as Thunder clinches 2025 NBA Finals berth
The post Chet Holmgren sets franchise record as Thunder clinches 2025 NBA Finals berth appeared first on ClutchPoints. Chet Holmgren will earn his first taste of the NBA Finals. His Oklahoma City Thunder pummeled the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to clinch the Western Conference title. The Thunder big man hit franchise history on his way to a Finals berth. Advertisement Holmgren dropped 22 points on the T-Wolves. He swooped up seven rebounds too. Then he turned to his long arms to block three Minnesota shot attempts. He's the youngest player to hit those marks in a WCF game, per StatMuse. Holmgren blitzed the T-Wolves right away with scoring seven of OKC's first 11 points. Including throwing down this thunderous dunk off a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assist. The towering Holmgren energized an early 26-9 first quarter lead for the home team. He showed a mix of jubilation but focus for the next step he and OKC must take. Chet Holmgren reacts to heading to NBA Finals with Thunder Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images The versatile forward-center walked into the WCF facing his hometown team. Holmgren hailed from Minnesota and called the conference final a 'full circle moment.' Advertisement He helped make quick work of the feisty T-Wolves — winning in five games. The former No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft earned hefty praise for leading this new Thunder run. But he chose to deflect the credit. 'We have 17 dudes on the roster who works hard every single night,' Holmgren told the crowd postgame. But is he satisfied with getting OKC back into the Larry O'Brien Trophy hunt? 'I wouldn't say it's satisfying. It's a step in the journey,' Holmgren told ESPN's Lisa Salters in front of the Paycom Center crowd. 'We still have some season to play. Never take it for granted cause I couldn't even walk for two months.' Advertisement Holmgren sat for nearly 50 games with a right iliac wing fracture (also a pelvic fracture). He sustained the ailment on November 10, 2024. The Thunder welcomed him back in Feb. 2025 — and the rest became history. Now Holmgren and the 2025 Western Conference champs await the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Thunder thrash Wolves in Game 5, storm into NBA Finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled to a 124-94 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, finishing off the Western Conference finals in Game 5. Gilgeous-Alexander added eight assists and seven rebounds as Oklahoma City closed out the best-of-seven series. The Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 and the fifth time in franchise history. The first three appearances came when the club was based in Seattle. Oklahoma City will host Game 1 of the Finals against either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks on June 5. The Wednesday outcome was evident early, as the Thunder buried the Timberwolves under the weight of a stifling defense and playmaking by Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City led by 17 after the first quarter and 33 at halftime to put the game away quickly. The Timberwolves season saw their season end in the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year. Gilgeous-Alexander dished out five of his assists in the opening quarter as he again showed why he was the selected the NBA's Most Valuable Player. After the Timberwolves scored the game's first hoop, Gilgeous-Alexander had a hand in all five Oklahoma City baskets during an 11-0 run that started the Thunder's march toward the blowout. In that stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander had four assists three on Holmgren buckets and hit a finger roll to start the separation. On Monday, the Timberwolves started Game 4 red hot from the field but ultimately fell 128-126. On Wednesday, Minnesota struggled on offense from the start, going just 1 for 11 from the field over the first five minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander outscored Minnesota in the first quarter 12-9. The Thunder finished the first quarter on a 13-2 run, highlighted by another Gilgeous-Alexander assist this one finding Cason Wallace for a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer to put the exclamation point on a dominant first quarter. The score was 26-9. It didn't get much better in the second as Oklahoma City stretched its lead. Minnesota had more turnovers in the first half than it did field goals . The Timberwolves finished with 21 turnovers. Holmgren amassed 22 points and seven rebounds while Williams had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points while Anthony Edwards scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting. Field Level Media
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Thunder dominate early in Game 5, eye NBA finals berth against Timberwolves
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. Also read: NBA playoffs 2025 schedule, bracket, date, live streaming, where to watch 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. Live Events 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. Also read: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Knicks aim to even series vs Pacers in Game 4 showdown 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. Also read: Tyrese Haliburton's dad returns to Pacers home games after NBA lifts ban sparked by Giannis incident — here's why it matters right now 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.
