Latest news with #NickeilAlexander-Walker
Axios
3 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
Big decisions for Wolves this offseason
The bad news is another thrilling Wolves season has ended with a disappointing loss in the Western Conference Finals. The good news is this team's window for contending for a title remains wide open. State of play: Of the eight main players who get regular minutes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the only free agent, while Julius Randle and Naz Reid have the option to become free agents this summer. 23-year-old superstar Anthony Edwards and rising star Jaden McDaniels are under contract for four more seasons, and veterans Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo for two more. Some of the young players should be ready for expanded roles, namely Terrence Shannon Jr., who showed flashes in short spurts in the playoffs, and Jaylen Clark, a defensive menace. Yes, but: There are a few big questions facing the team. Can they keep Randle and Reid? Both power forwards have the chance to become free agents this offseason. Are the Wolves willing to shell out most of their salary cap space to keep them both? If so, it likely means Alexander-Walker is gone. What's the plan at point guard? Mike Conley Jr. will be 38 next year and it's not clear how much he will have left in the tank. The Wolves will need to decide if second-year PG Rob Dillingham is ready for an expanded role, or if they need to find a veteran. Would they trade Gobert? The Stifle Tower is still a force on defense, but the playoffs exposed a decline in his already limited offensive game, as well as his rebounding. If they trade him, they will need to find a new rim protector. Will Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore shell out the big bucks? Keeping their best players is going to cost a lot of money. If the two owners close on the acquisition of the team this summer — as expected — fans will expect them to spend big to keep the team in the mix.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Thunder aim to secure conference finals victory over the Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -8.5; over/under is 220.5 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Thunder lead series 3-1 BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder look to clinch the Western Conference finals over the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five. The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 128-126 in the last meeting on Tuesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 40 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Timberwolves with 23. The Thunder are 12-4 against opponents in the Northwest Division. Oklahoma City is sixth in the Western Conference in rebounding with 44.8 rebounds. Jalen Williams leads the Thunder with 5.3 boards. The Timberwolves have gone 33-19 against Western Conference opponents. Minnesota is 11-11 in one-possession games. The Thunder average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.8 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Timberwolves give up. The Timberwolves average 15.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 13.5 per game the Thunder allow. TOP PERFORMERS: Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals for the Thunder. Williams is averaging 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.7 steals over the last 10 games. Anthony Edwards is averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Timberwolves. Julius Randle is averaging 21.2 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 7-3, averaging 115.0 points, 43.5 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.3 points per game. Timberwolves: 6-4, averaging 110.8 points, 42.9 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 7.0 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.6 points. INJURIES: Thunder: Nikola Topic: out for season (acl). Timberwolves: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 40, Thunder defense forcing 23 turnovers has OKC one win from NBA Finals
It was the two words in all caps and red ink at the top of the scouting report for Minnesota going into the Western Conference Finals: Limit turnovers. The Timberwolves had to break even in the possession game to upset the Thunder in this series. They failed at that in the biggest moment of their season Monday night — Minnesota turned the ball over 23 times and allowed 19 Oklahoma City offensive rebounds in Game 4. The result was the Thunder getting up 11 more shots in the game. That was the difference in what an epic, high-level playoff game, one of the best of the postseason. Well, turnovers and a career playoff high 40 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA DROPS A NEAR 40-POINT TRIPLE DOUBLE 🤯 ⚡️ 40 PTS ⚡️ 10 AST ⚡️ 9 REB The @okcthunder take a 3-1 Western Conference Finals lead! Oklahoma City hung on at the end for a 128-126 Game 4 win that puts them up 3-1 in the series. The Thunder can close the series out Wednesday night at home. This is a gut-punch loss for the Timberwolves because they played well enough to win: • Minnesota created better looks most of the night. • Minnesota shot better, including 18-of-41 (43.9%) from 3. • Minnesota grabbed 19 offensive rebounds themselves. • Minnesota got 64 points from their bench behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Donte DiVincenzo scoring 21, including five 3-pointers, and 11 points from Naz Reid. 'Definitely sucks being that close…' Alexander-Walker said postgame. 'Everything is out there, there are no secrets — they know how to beat us and we know how to beat them.' What hurt the Thunder was a slow start and rough night from Anthony Edwards, who scored 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Which was better than Julius Randle, who struggled again with five points on 1-of-7 shooting (but nine rebounds). Not only did SGA step up for the Thunder, but so did their next stars: Jalen Williams had 34 points, including six 3-pointers, while Chet Holmgren had 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, including a critical one late. J-Dub (34p, 6 3pm, 5a) and Chet (21p, 7r, 3b) came up HUGE in OKC's Game 4 road W 🔥💯 The Thunder (up 3-1) are just a win away from advancing to the Finals! After coming out flat and getting blown out in Game 3, the Thunder came out Monday with increased defensive ball pressure and activity — looking like themselves again — except it didn't work. For example, the Thunder defense forced the ball to Jaden McDaniels, but he responded with 10 early points. Minnesota shot 63.2% in the first quarter but trailed 37-30 after one because of their seven turnovers in the frame. That was the theme of the night. So was Oklahoma City taking a small lead (never more than 11) and then Minnesota walking them down. It was a physical, intense, high-level game of basketball played well by both teams. The last time the Thunder got one of those small leads they held on, and now they have a commanding lead in the series.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Player grades: After MVP trophy, SGA leads Thunder to 118-103 Game 2 win over Timberwolves
Player grades: After MVP trophy, SGA leads Thunder to 118-103 Game 2 win over Timberwolves OKLAHOMA CITY — As Nickeil Alexander-Walker went to double Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams received a quick bounce pass and swished in a catch-and-shoot right-wing 3-pointer. The outside bucket was the dagger as the OKC crowd celebrated the final two minutes. The Oklahoma City Thunder enjoyed a 118-103 Game 2 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. They're now up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals. Both victories demonstrated the large gap between the rosters. After Gilgeous-Alexander received his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the Thunder rolled the momentum into the game. The offense hummed along as they had a 29-25 lead after the first quarter. While you're happy with the lead, it likely could've been larger if they hit on their outside looks. Eventually, the math helped the Timberwolves. They were awful from within the perimeter. But some outside shooting luck from role players kept them in it. The Thunder scored 29 points in the second frame and a strong finish created a 58-50 halftime lead. Then, the Thunder's signature avalanche rolled along. They completely shut down Minnesota's offense. The outside shots didn't fall at the same clip anymore. A 25-8 OKC run turned this from a back-and-forth contest into a lopsided affair. Gilgeous-Alexander stole the ball before Cason Wallace threw a daring lob to Chet Holmgren that peaked the OKC crowd noise. The Thunder outscored the Timberwolves in the third frame by 35-21. They entered the fourth quarter with a 93-71 lead. The MVP winner had 30 points through three quarters. Mind you, this is the Western Conference Finals. Not a random December game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards kept his word of shooting more, but the raw point total wasn't at an efficient rate that could've altered the game. The Timberwolves made it interesting with a late push. They cut the Thunder's 24-point lead to 10 points a couple of times. But that was the closest Minnesota would get in its 32-point frame. While this game never devolved into garbage time, most understood what the final result would likely be. The Thunder shot 50% from the field and went 9-of-33 (27.3%) from 3. They shot 19-of-24 on free throws. They had 30 assists on 45 baskets. Three Thunder players scored double-digit points. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with an efficient 38 points. Williams had a near 26-point triple-double. Holmgren scored 22 points. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves shot 41% from the field and went 11-of-39 (28.2%) from 3. They shot 20-of-26 on free throws. They had 20 assists on 36 baskets. Four Timberwolves players scored double-digit points. Edwards finished with 32 points on 12-of-26 shooting, nine rebounds and six assists. Jaden McDaniels had 22 points. Alexander-Walker scored 17 points. Naz Reid had 10 points and eight rebounds. Through two games, the Thunder have outclassed the Timberwolves in about every way possible. It's still early in the series, but the former looks pretty sitting atop with a 2-0 series lead. Gilgeous-Alexander has easily been the best player, while Williams and Holmgren have stepped up. They now travel to Minnesota with all the confidence. Let's look at Thunder player grades: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A-plus Any concerns with Gilgeous-Alexander being too consumed by his MVP achievement were quickly squashed. All the glitz and glamor didn't affect him on the hardwood. Even with Silver and the rest of the NBA world in attendance, the 26-year-old showed why he's one of the best players. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting, eight assists and three rebounds. He shot 1-of-2 from 3 and went 13-of-15 on free throws. He also had five steals. Nobody on the Timberwolves can stop Gilgeous-Alexander. They threw everything and still couldn't slow him down. He made the Western Conference Finals look like a walk in the park. There was no fooling around in this one. The drive-heavy scorer attacked the basket with a sprinkle of mid-range jumpers. All Minnesota could do was foul. Gilgeous-Alexander had a busy night at the free-throw line. Frustration boiled over for McDaniels to the point he shoved the MVP winner to the ground and received a flagrant foul. All you could do was smile as the Timberwolves resorted to anger. What Gilgeous-Alexander has done over the last three seasons has desensitized folks who've watched it every other night for nine months. But with the MVP trophy finally in his hands, it's nice to zoom out and just take in the history we're seeing unfold. He is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history at the top of his craft. 2️⃣ with the moves 🤌 — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 He'll take that 2️⃣ go@OGandE Power Play of the Game — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Jalen Williams: A-plus Stealing the ball away from Edwards, Williams dribbled behind his back before he passed it out to Holmgren. While his teammate missed at the rim, it gave the 24-year-old another chance at a highlight play with a second-chance and-one layup. Williams finished with 26 points on 12-of-20 shooting, 10 rebounds and five assists. He shot 2-of-6 from 3 and 0-of-1 on free throws. He also had a steal. So far in the Western Conference Finals, Williams has played like somebody who's a good-enough second option to capture a championship. He sliced through Minnesota's zone defense with special shot-making. The 24-year-old got into a groove with his jumper. As the Timberwolves hoped to make a comeback, Williams kept them behind with 11 points in the fourth quarter. He played the co-closer role well with Gilgeous-Alexander. If the Thunder continue to get this type of efficient production from their second All-Star while playing stellar Swiss Army knife defense, then the title is theirs to lose. Let him cook ♨️ — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Bringing the energy with us from end to end 🔋 — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Chet Holmgren: A-plus Navigating through Donte DiVincenzo's contest, Holmgren threw down the one-handed slam. The seven-footer yelled his lungs out and turned around to yell at the Minnesota role player's face. He was given a technical foul but it was well worth it. Holmgren finished with 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, four rebounds and two assists. He shot 1-of-6 from 3 and went 5-of-6 on free throws. This was the best Holmgren has looked in all the playoffs. The paint finishes have looked the best since he returned from his hip fracture. Whether through finesse finishes with spin moves or cleaning up his teammates' misses or being a lob threat, the seven-footer has given OKC a new dimension to its offense. The Thunder have rendered Rudy Gobert obsolete through two playoff games. One of the greatest defenders in NBA history can't slow them down at the rim. OKC got whatever it wanted inside the paint. Holmgren played a huge role in that. Pair that with Holmgren's rim protection, the Thunder's best bet might be to play the 23-year-old at center when they play their second-unit lineup. It's been an effective strategy so far. He's a mismatch nightmare for Minnesota's frontcourt. L👀k at that pass — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Send this to your needs to see this — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 We'll be watching this lob over and over and over again 😌 More angles for you ⤵️ — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Lu Dort: B At this point, the Timberwolves might need to spam switches for Edwards. The Minnesota superstar has had two subpar performances for polar opposite reasons. Game 1 saw him fade into the background. Game 2 saw him be an inefficient scorer. Won't be impossible, but it'll be difficult for Edwards to turn his fortunes. That's what happens when you have Dort as your primary defender. Hours after being named to an All-Defensive First Team, he showed voters why they made the right call. Dort finished with nine points on 3-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds and four assists. He shot 2-of-7 from 3 and went 1-of-2 on free throws. He also had two steals. The outside shot has been streaky, but the one-on-one defense remains consistent. As Alex Caruso eventually fouled out, Dort was given the Edwards assignment himself. He delivered and extinguished any hopes of a comeback as the Thunder cruised to a win. Loud City was lovin' this one 🗣️ — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 23, 2025 Highlights:
Edmonton Journal
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Get to know Canadian hoops star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of NBA MVP announcement
Article content He impressed enough to earn a scholarship to Florida as a four-star recruit and was ranked 35th by ESPN in his high school class (cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, his opponent in the Western Conference final this year was ranked 21st), but kept generating buzz after attending a Basketball Without Borders camp and was one of the youngest players to ever make Canada's senior men's national team in 2016.
