In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-91, advancing to the NBA Finals for the 1st time since 2012. The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 34 points, followed by teammates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who scored 19 and 22, respectively. Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP for the regular season and was also awarded MVP for the Western Conference Finals.
After being forced to 7 games by the Denver Nuggets in the second round, the Thunder had very little trouble defeating the Wolves. Despite falling behind nine points in the 4th quarter of a crucial Game 5 matchup with the Nuggets, the Thunder pulled off a victory.
On Thursday, June 5th, the Thunder will host Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which will determine the winner between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers.
In 2019, Sam Presti began rebuilding the Thunder by trading Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets and Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander and the choice that would become Williams were both acquired by the Thunder from the Clippers. Following their surprising playoff run in 2020, the Thunder went on to win 46 games in 20-21 and 21-22. With 40 victories in 22–23, the Thunder qualified for the playoffs. This season, they have won 57 games in 23–24 and 68 games overall.