For the primary time in practically a decade, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are heading again to the Western Convention finals. They earned the chance with a commanding 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Recreation 7 of their second-round collection on Sunday evening.
It marks the Thunder’s first journey to the convention finals since 2016, and their first since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned the franchise cornerstone. Oklahoma Metropolis will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Recreation 1 on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. (ET), opening a best-of-seven collection that options two of the league’s most tenacious defensive groups.
Not like their first two playoff rounds, the Thunder will enter this one with minimal relaxation. Oklahoma Metropolis had a full week off earlier than its opening-round sweep of Memphis and one other nine-day layoff forward of its collection with Denver. This time, the turnaround is simply two days. Minnesota, which eradicated Golden State in 5 video games, has been idle since Might 14.
“We’re going to get ready in addition to we are able to,” Thunder guard Cason Wallace stated. “Take what we want, get wholesome, get proper, gasoline again up and prepare to go.”
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder Embrace Protection, Self-discipline and a Acquainted Foe
The matchup brings collectively the NBA’s high two postseason defenses. Oklahoma Metropolis leads all groups with a 101.6 defensive score throughout 11 playoff video games. Minnesota is shut behind at 106.8. The groups cut up their regular-season collection 2-2, with every profitable as soon as on the highway.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault cautioned in opposition to leaning too closely on these outcomes.
“Apples to apples, I don’t know if these video games are the proper framework by which to take a look at the collection,” Daigneault stated. “They’re just about absolutely complete proper now, which is a giant distinction from again then. So are we.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 29.0 factors, 6.4 assists and 5.9 rebounds within the playoffs, delivered 35 factors and three steals with out turning it over within the Recreation 7 win — the one Thunder participant moreover Kevin Durant to put up at the least 35 in a Recreation 7.
“Yeah, it feels good,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “Clearly, our final aim isn’t simply the Western Convention Finals. You’ve acquired to undergo there to get there. We’ve acquired 4 extra video games to go get in opposition to a very good crew within the Timberwolves, and that’s what we’re targeted on.”
He’ll share the ground with Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker — his cousin and longtime coaching accomplice. Each had been born in Toronto and attended Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee.
“It’ll be very enjoyable,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “If you know the way shut we’re, he’s actually like my second brother. … However I’m attempting to take his head off for certain.”
Alexander-Walker helped restrict Gilgeous-Alexander to 5-of-19 taking pictures in a 2023 play-in sport. He stated the MVP candidate’s consistency has separated him from others.
“That comes from diligence, laborious work, seeing it firsthand, and self-discipline that honestly I haven’t seen in anyone else,” Alexander-Walker stated. “He’s simply been capable of be constantly that.”
Turnovers, Matchups Might Form the Western Convention Finals
Oklahoma Metropolis pressured turnovers on 15.7 % of opponent possessions within the playoffs — the very best price of any crew. Minnesota has been comparatively efficient at limiting turnovers this season, however has turned it over at the next price within the postseason in comparison with its common season manufacturing. The Thunder capitalized on Denver’s errors within the second spherical and can look to use related stress in opposition to a Timberwolves crew that thrives in transition however will be susceptible below defensive duress.
The anticipated matchup between Lu Dort and Anthony Edwards is predicted to be a key battleground. Dort has earned a fame as one of many league’s most bodily on-ball defenders, whereas Edwards enters the collection averaging 26.5 factors, 8.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists within the playoffs.
Minnesota reshaped its core forward of the season, buying and selling Karl-Anthony Cities to New York in a cost-cutting transfer and bringing in Julius Randle, who has averaged 23.9 factors and 5.9 assists this postseason. His frontcourt pairing with Rudy Gobert offers the Timberwolves a bodily edge, however the Thunder are anticipated to lean extra on Chet Holmgren at heart after deploying a two-big lineup with Isaiah Hartenstein at occasions in opposition to Nikola Jokić.
Holmgren is averaging 15.7 factors, 9.7 rebounds and a pair of.2 blocks by 11 playoff video games, and his skill to stretch the ground and anchor the paint might be essential in opposition to Minnesota’s measurement.
Jalen Williams, who averaged 17.6 factors within the second spherical and scored 24 factors on 10-of-17 taking pictures in Recreation 7, might play an expanded offensive function as Gilgeous-Alexander navigates defensive matchups with Jaden McDaniels and Alexander-Walker.
Daigneault believes the group has grown all through its playoff run.
“Seven video games is lengthy and also you’re not going to play optimum basketball all through,” he stated. “We didn’t play nice. However to hold in there the best way we did and get again on monitor — that was spectacular.”
The Thunder final reached the NBA Finals in 2012 behind Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. With Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren now main the best way, Oklahoma Metropolis is 4 wins from a return journey.
“We don’t play to reply anyone,” Daigneault stated. “We simply play for each other and for our followers. That’s sufficient.”
