Oklahoma City, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012 after dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night at Paycom Center. The victory marked a pivotal moment for a franchise that has undergone significant changes over the years.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, led the charge with an impressive 34 points and eight assists, particularly shining in the first half, where he scored or assisted on 32 points—equaling Minnesota’s total by halftime. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Western Conference finals MVP.

Minnesota struggled throughout the game, particularly during a sluggish first quarter in which they posted only nine points. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Anthony Edwards added 19. However, the team fell flat under pressure, shooting poorly from the field and turning the ball over frequently. The Thunder’s relentless defense contributed to Minnesota’s woes, as they recorded 14 steals and eight blocks, containing Edwards to a subpar shooting percentage yet again in this series.

An emphatic 24-foot three-pointer by Lu Dort in the final moments of the game cemented the Thunder’s commanding lead and brought fans to their feet, chanting a farewell to the Timberwolves. With this win, Oklahoma City awaits the outcome of the Eastern Conference finals, where the Indiana Pacers currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks. Game 5 of that series is set for Thursday.

The Thunder’s playoff journey has been impressive, with this latest victory marking their fourth series win by at least 15 points. The team, the youngest in the league at the start of the season, is now a clear favorite heading into the Finals, where they will play for their first championship under the Oklahoma City moniker.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has been pivotal, averaging 31.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists throughout the playoffs. He credits his teammates, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, for helping to create a balanced, formidable lineup that echoes the team’s earlier successes with stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

At the same time, concerns linger for Minnesota, which has faced challenges in its postseason. Anthony Edwards has appeared fatigued as the series progressed, leading to questions about his conditioning. Despite previous playoff experience, he has struggled to impose his game against Oklahoma City’s tenacious defense, raising concerns for the Timberwolves’ future playoff pursuits.

The Timberwolves have at least advanced to the conference finals in consecutive seasons, a feat that highlights their growth. However, the gap between their performance and that of the Thunder was evident throughout the series. Offseason questions loom regarding key players like Randle and potential changes needed to enhance the team’s competitiveness heading forward.

As the Thunder prepare for the Finals, their blend of youth, talent, and defensive prowess presents a daunting challenge for any opponent. Now just four wins away from the ultimate goal, they are primed to make their mark on the league once again.