Oklahoma finishes off Minnesota, advances to NBA Finals

Sports

FOR the first time since 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be competing in the NBA Finals.

The Thunder clinched the first NBA Finals ticket by thrashing the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-94, in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday (Philippine time), May 29.

Oklahoma finished off Minnesota behind a relentless attack, leading from start to finish to wrap the series up, 4-1.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved once again why he is the season MVP, leading the Thunder’s series-clinching win with 34 points.

Chet Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks and Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

In a match they needed to win badly, the Wolves couldn’t put up a decent fight, succumbing to a maze of errors while allowing the Thunder to score at will.

Minneosta shot just 35-for-85 from the field and committed 21 turnovers. Oklahoma was 46-of-88 from the field and only 14 errors.

Julius Randle led the Wolves with 24 points and Anthony Edwards had 19.

The Thunder will play the winner in the East Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. The Pacers are comfortable ahead in the East Finals with a 3-1 series lead. New York will host Game 5 on Friday, May 30.

The Thunder will have the crucial homecourt advantage in the NBA Finals after finishing the regular season with league-best 68-14 record.(CCM)