In a clash billed as a potential dogfight, the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves 124–94 on Wednesday night at Paycom Center, sealing a 4–1 series victory in the Western Conference Finals and booking their first NBA Finals berth since 2012.
From the opening tip, this was no ordinary playoff game. It was a statement. Oklahoma City raced to a 26–9 first-quarter lead and never looked back, extending the margin to 65–32 by halftime before cruising through the fourth quarter with starters resting and reserves adding to the rout.
With the Western crown secured, the Thunder will await the Eastern Conference champion. Oklahoma City enters the series armed with home-court advantage, a fully healthy roster, and the swagger that comes from dismantling a confident Timberwolves squad in dominant fashion.
NBA Universe Erupts as OKC’s 124-94 Rout Clinches Western Crown
BEST IN THE WEST ⚡️#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/1EuOvex5ax
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 29, 2025
Behind this masterclass was NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight boards, while Chet Holmgren’s 22-point, seven-rebound, three-block performance was a defensive dynamo on the interior.
Together, these three rising stars combined for 75 of OKC’s 124 points, showcasing the Thunder’s multi-faceted attack and depth that stifled Minnesota’s vaunted offense.
Minnesota never found an answer. The Wolves plummeted to 41.2% shooting from the field and committed 21 costly turnovers—14 of them before halftime. Julius Randle (24 points) and Anthony Edwards (19 points) battled gamely but lacked the support to stem the tide.
As the scoreboard flashed “124–94,” social media ignited in celebration. Skip Bayless wasted no time declaring, “CONGRATS TO THE OKC THUNDER FOR WINNING THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP,” reflecting the widespread acknowledgement of the Thunder’s supremacy on Wednesday night.
In another condescending tweet, Bayless wrote, “Poor Pacers,” definitely not shying away from showing that his bet is on OKC this time.
Poor Pacers.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 29, 2025
Marc D’Amico nodded to the franchise’s seeding anomaly, tweeting, “Congrats to the Thunder on a berth into the NBA Finals! Amazing story. They’ve been the best team all season long, and they’re doing it in a tiny market. Really cool for the NBA, and happy that the patience has finally paid off for the OKC faithful.”
Even critics turned into admirers. Bill Simmons conceded the Thunder’s mastery. “They need to shout out Poku during the trophy celebration. 30 MPG after the 2022 All Star Break to help them get Chet,” he wrote—an admission that Oklahoma City’s dynamic guard had outplayed both opponents and officials alike.
They need to shout out Poku during the trophy celebration. 30 MPG after the 2022 All Star Break to help them get Chet.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 29, 2025
NBA writer and reporter from ClutchPoints Tomer Azarly wrote, “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player in the NBA and he’ll lead the OKC Thunder to the NBA Finals — where they’ll be overwhelming favorites — just 6 years after the trade. Just incredible.”
This victory capped a playoff journey defined by resilience. After surviving a grueling seven-game second round against Denver, the Thunder rebounded from a 143–101 Game 3 drubbing to re-calibrate and take the series 4–1.
With the Western crown secured, Oklahoma City now turns its gaze to the NBA Finals, set to tip off on June 5. There, the Thunder will face the Eastern Conference champion, either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks, with home-court advantage in tow. For now, the Pacers have a 3–1 lead on the Knicks, making them a potential NBA Finals berth holder.
Bolstered by a franchise-best 68-14 regular-season record, a roster brimming with All-Star talent, and the momentum of a historic blowout, OKC enters the Finals as one of the most formidable and celebrated contenders in recent memory.
