The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the NBA Finals. This is their first appearance since 2012.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred in their latest win. He insists the Thunder “have a lot more work to do” before achieving their ultimate goal.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads From the Front
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another outstanding performance to guide his team to the Finals. The NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) racked up 34 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Oklahoma City demolished the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to seal a 4-1 win in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.
Despite the dominant scoreline, Gilgeous-Alexander is not getting carried away. He said: “This is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot more work to do to get to our ultimate goal, so let’s buckle up and get ready.”
The Canadian guard made it clear that he’s still focused on the bigger picture. “That’s all that I’m focused on. This isn’t the end of our road,” he added.
Historic Season for Thunder’s Young Core
Oklahoma City are now chasing their first-ever NBA title. They lost to the Miami Heat in the 2012 Finals, which was the franchise’s last appearance on this stage. That team featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
This year’s squad is far younger, with an average age of just 25.6 years. That makes them the youngest team to reach the NBA Finals since the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977. Their youth has not held them back—if anything, it has given them a fearless edge.
Chet Holmgren impressed again with 22 points. Jalen Williams (31.38) chipped in with 19. The trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams has proven crucial in Oklahoma City’s deep playoff run.
Gilgeous-Alexander Joins Elite MVP Company
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s run to the NBA Finals this season has placed him in elite company. He now stands alongside Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as the only players in the last 20 years to make the Finals in the same season as winning the MVP award.
In addition, he was named Western Conference Finals MVP on Wednesday. The 26-year-old is also the NBA scoring champion this season. If Oklahoma City go all the way, he will be the first scoring champ since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win a title in the same campaign.
These accolades are not distracting him. He remains focused and humble, often deflecting praise to his teammates. “These guys 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.”
Thunder Awaits Eastern Conference Winner
The Thunder will host Game One of the NBA Finals next Thursday. They will face the winner of the Eastern Conference finals. That battle is currently being led 3-1 by the Indiana Pacers against the New York Knicks.
Game Five takes place this Thursday. If the Pacers win, they will seal the series and book a date with Oklahoma City. Should the Knicks rally, the series could still go the full seven games.
Regardless of who they face, the Thunder will be well-prepared. They have blown past expectations all season. Their rapid rise has also caught the attention of online sports betting fans, and they are favourites to win the NBA championship.
Timberwolves Fall Short Again
While the Thunder celebrated, the Timberwolves were left to reflect on another missed opportunity. They reached the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year but failed to progress. Last year, they were knocked out by the Dallas Mavericks.
This time, the Thunder were simply too good. “They dominated the game from the tip,” said Anthony Edwards, who scored 19 points. Julius Randle led Minnesota in scoring with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough.
Edwards was gracious in defeat. “I tip my hat to those guys. They came ready,” he added. The Timberwolves will now look to regroup in the offseason.
Thunder Building Towards Greatness
It has been a long journey back to the NBA Finals for Oklahoma City. After yeaze. Their young core, guided by Gilgeous-Alexander, is showing maturity beyond its years.rs of rebuilding, they are once again competing for the sport’s biggest pri
The Thunder’s energetic style, strong chemistry and fearless mentality have set them apart. Their run to the Finals has excited fans and experts alike. Now, they are four wins away from making history.
With Game One scheduled in Oklahoma City, the Thunder will enjoy home-court advantage. That could prove crucial in their pursuit of a maiden championship. But as Gilgeous-Alexander reminded everyone, there is still work to do.
