Latest news with #JalenWilliams
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Jalen Williams on NBA Finals trip: 'It feels very surreal'
Jalen Williams on NBA Finals trip: 'It feels very surreal' Sitting down with warm lights shining underneath him and virtually sitting in front of millions, Jalen Williams still couldn't process the last hour. The 24-year-old has answered any doubts about his validity to be the second-best player on a title contender with straight A-pluses and a spot in the Honor Roll. He'll likely need a few days to understand that fully. Williams finished with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds and five assists. He shot 1-of-4 from 3 and went 4-of-5 on free throws. He also had a steal and a block. The Thunder capped off a five-game Western Conference Finals with a 124-94 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. They punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA Finals. Playing a similar style to his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams sliced through Minnesota's defense. He bulldozed his way to the rim for drives despite several defenders in his way. In transition, he was a beast that headlined a one-man show. It felt like every steal-to-score sequence featured the ball being in his hands at least once. Williams has been superb throughout the entire playoffs, minus a few hiccups. The rhythm scorer has gotten in a groove early with his jumper and has utilized his thick frame to bully his way through defenses for easy looks at the basket or go to the free-throw line. "It feels very surreal. I know that's a pretty typical word that people say but this is what I'm feeling. I haven't been able to wrap my head around it," Williams said on making the NBA Finals. "I think this being my third year, it kinda happened pretty fast. So I'm trying to put everything in perspective. My brother got in the NBA this year and his first year is already done. There's a lot of other things that go on that make me think how fast and blessed I am that get me to the point I'm at now." Despite being a regular-season machine, the Thunder had their doubters. They shut them up real quick as they cruised through the Western Conference. Breaking an NBA record every other game, Williams said he didn't truly believe how dominating they were until they started doing the same in the playoffs. "Honestly, the playoffs are a good challenge. Especially like the first round because the regular season doesn't even matter. That was our test. Last series with Denver, same kinda thing. When we were put up against adversity that we don't really have during the regular season and it's do-or-die moments. I think that's where we kinda grew up as a team," Williams said. "That last series was big for us. A lot of us, that was our first Game 7. Getting over the hump of the second round. I think that was big for us."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still hasn't achieved his main goal for the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles down the court during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) pose for a photo after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) stand on the court after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), middle, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), middle, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles down the court during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) pose for a photo after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) stand on the court after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), middle, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved his short-term goals on Wednesday night and positioned himself to achieve his long-term one. He had 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals for a 4-1 series win and a spot in the NBA Finals. Advertisement 'I know I wanted two things,' he said. 'I didn't want to go back to Minnesota. And then I wanted the fans to be able to enjoy the moment with us. I wanted them to be able to see it unfold in front of their eyes. I wanted them to celebrate tonight in our building, go home, get drunk, do whatever they do to have fun with the moment.' The league MVP and scoring champion did his part to make those things possible, and now he's got a shot at an NBA title. It was another example of how playoff basketball appears to have slowed down for him. He forced things at times in the first round against Memphis and in the second round against Denver. Against Minnesota, he was back to making the game look easy. He made 14 of 25 shots and committed just two turnovers in Game 5. 'I think he does a great job of playing aggressive and then letting the game tell him what the right play is,' Thunder forward Chet Holmgren said. 'Sometimes that's score, sometimes that's to pass. But you never really feel like watching him or playing with him — you never feel like he made the wrong read.' Gilgeous-Alexander had 12 points and five assists in the first quarter as Oklahoma City took a 26-9 lead. The Thunder led 65-32 at halftime and 88-62 heading into the fourth quarter. Advertisement 'All we can do is come in at night and control our energy and our effort and our focus level, give these fans what they deserve and families what they deserve,' he said. 'Everyone that's sacrificed for us, they deserve this moment to celebrate at home. We took care of business from the jump. We were focused. We were together. We were energetic, we were aggressive, and the game turned out the way it did.' Gilgeous-Alexander's big night went beyond measurables. Coach Mark Daigneault said his leadership helped the Thunder get off to the strong start. 'He just set an unbelievable tone,' Daigneault said. 'I think he understood his role in our mentality. He was a participant in that and he was a leader in that. And he was ready to play from the jump.' For the series, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game and received the Magic Johnson Trophy for MVP of the Western Conference Finals. Advertisement None of that will matter when the Thunder play either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the Finals, starting June 5. The Pacers lead the Eastern Conference finals series 3-1 with Game 5 in New York City on Thursday night. 'We have to be the best version of ourselves for four nights to reach the ultimate goal,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'We understand that, we know that, and that's what we're focused on.' ___ AP NBA:
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Photos: Best images from Thunder's ceremony and celebration after NBA Finals berth
Despite it being a blowout, the OKC crowd stayed put. The Oklahoma City Thunder destroyed the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 124-94 Game 5 win. That sealed the Western Conference Finals as the first seed won the series in five games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an efficient 34 points. Jalen Williams had 19 points and eight rebounds. Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points and seven rebounds. After the win, the Thunder celebrated their 2025 NBA Finals trip. Hats and shirts were handed out and they were presented with the West trophy. Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Western Conference Finals MVP winner. Let's look at some of the best photos from the Thunder's postgame ceremony and celebration: Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Photos: Best images from Thunder's 124-94 Game 5 win over Timberwolves
Photos: Best images from Thunder's 124-94 Game 5 win over Timberwolves The Oklahoma City Thunder punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA Finals with a 124-94 Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. They won the Western Conference Finals in five games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with an efficient 34 points. Jalen Williams helped out with 19 points and eight rebounds. Chet Holmgren tallied 22 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards was quiet with 19 points and six rebounds. Julius Randle had 24 points. The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 39 points. Let's look at some of the best photos from the Thunder's 30-point Game 5 win over the Timberwolves:
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Player grades: Thunder clinch NBA Finals spot with 124-94 Game 5 win over Timberwolves
Player grades: Thunder clinch NBA Finals spot with 124-94 Game 5 win over Timberwolves OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite being up by a gazillion points, none of the 18K Paycom Center fans left their seat to beat traffic. It costs an arm and a leg to be inside the building. Considering what the scoreboard showed, they wouldn't throw away being part of basketball history to get home a little earlier. The Oklahoma City Thunder destroyed the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 124-94 Game 5 win. That sealed the series result as the first seed clinched their spot in the NBA Finals with a five-game Western Conference Finals. The Thunder set the tone early. Any faint hopes for Minnesota were quickly erased. By the time the first quarter ended, the Timberwolves looked disinterested and shocked at the same time. Early turnovers led to transition buckets for OKC. They held an eye-popping 26-9 lead after the frame. That momentum continued in the second quarter. They scored 39 points in the frame to balloon their halftime lead to 65-32. Yep. You read that right. Sixty-five to thirty-two. There was no messing around by the title favorite. It was all over for the Timberwolves. They might have as well stayed in Minnesota and saved everybody time. The Thunder's star trio once again showed out. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quick 20 points while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each scored 15 points. Everything went their way while the Timberwolves looked mentally checked out. The second half turned into an impromptu party. Any pregame nerves were squashed. The OKC crowd cheered and danced along. They spent more time on their phones Googling what time the nearest Dick's Sporting Goods closed than they did biting their nails with a Timberwolves comeback. Minnesota prettied up the scoreboard with a 30-point frame. But the Thunder kept a firm distance with an 88-62 lead. Lu Dort's catch-and-shoot 3-pointer was finally enough for the Timberwolves to wave the white flag on their season and cleared the bench with a little over six minutes left. OKC soon followed as Daigneault greeted each starter on its way to the bench. The Thunder shot 52% from the field and went 14-of-35 (40%) from 3. They shot 18-of-21 on free throws. They had 26 assists on 46 baskets. Five Thunder players scored double-digit points. Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with an efficient 34 points. Holmgren had 22 points and seven rebounds. Williams finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Dort had 12 points and Isaiah Joe had 11 points. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves shot 41% from the field and went 12-of-34 (35.3%) from 3. They shot 12-of-15 on free throws. They had 16 assists on 35 baskets. Four Timberwolves players scored double-digit points. Anthony Edwards was quiet with 19 points and six rebounds. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points and five rebounds. Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr. each had 11 points. And now, what's been at the back of everybody's minds for the entire season has become official. The Thunder are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Hearing all year about how other West teams didn't fear them because of youth and inexperience, they were a buzzsaw with a 12-4 playoff record and led by as many as 39 points in the game-sealer to punch their ticket. Now, the Thunder wait for their NBA Finals opponent. Whether the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks, expect OKC to enter as the heavy favorite. It took most folks to start believing in them only once they saw it with their own eyes, but their Western Conference destruction has made them into the Death Star everybody fears. Let's look at Thunder player grades: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A-plus Swishing in every elbow mid-range jumper in pregame warmups, Gilgeous-Alexander entered with a killer mentality. He could've cushioned up on a 3-1 series lead with three tries to get a win, but the MVP winner wanted to kill off the Timberwolves right then and there in front of OKC's home crowd. Easy to say, mission accomplished. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting, eight assists and seven rebounds. He shot 2-of-4 from 3 and went 4-of-4 on free throws. He also had two steals. As Gilgeous-Alexander dissected Minnesota's defense like a frog in high school class, everybody slowly realized he figured out basketball. That simple. He was surgical on his mid-range jumpers and finished at the rim on his drives against several Timberwolves defenders. It was a fast start for Gilgeous-Alexander with 12 points in the first quarter. He had 20 at halftime. He left absolutely zero doubt on the result at the halfway mark as the Thunder held a 30-point advantage. He continued to be an unstoppable machine in the second half before finally showing Minnesota mercy. Headlining one of the greatest seasons ever, Gilgeous-Alexander has translated his MVP year into the playoffs. To put up 34 points in 34 minutes without breaking a sweat is the type of stuff basketball pantheons like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry have done. Now you can pencil in another name on there. Jalen Williams: A-plus Sitting down with warm lights shining underneath him and in front of a televised group of thousands, Williams still couldn't process the last hour. The 24-year-old has answered any doubts about his validity to be the second-best player on a title contender with straight A-pluses. He'll likely need a few days to understand that fully. Williams finished with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds and five assists. He shot 1-of-4 from 3 and went 4-of-5 on free throws. He also had a steal and a block. Playing a similar style, Williams sliced through Minnesota's defense. He bulldozed his way to the rim for drives despite several defenders in his way. In transition, he was a beast. Every steal-to-score sequence featured the ball being in his hands at least once. Williams has been superb throughout the entire playoffs, minus a few hiccups. The rhythm scorer has gotten in a groove early with his jumper and has utilized his thick frame to bully his way through defenses for easy looks at the basket or go to the free-throw line. Chet Holmgren: A-plus Like angering The Hulk, 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 80 MPH. The Thunder 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. 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 Edwards or 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. Lu Dort: B Swishing in a corner 3-pointer, Dort's bucket was enough for Chris Finch. The Timberwolves gave up and cleared their bench. They hoped to force a sixth game but came in with the energy of a squad that had its season funeral. Dort finished with 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and one assist. He shot 4-of-10 from 3. He also had three steals. While the outside shot was shaky, Daigneault's confidence in Dort never wavered. He stuck with the guy he grew up with in the OKC organization. Both had blue-collar beginnings and worked their butts off to reach this point. The decision paid off. Picking him up near full-court and fighting over screens, Dort was super-glued to Edwards. Minnesota's superstar showed his youthfulness with another quiet game. Credit that to the All-Defensive Team member as he shut off the Timberwolves' best player for most of the series. Highlights:
