SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander, a day after being named the NBA’s MVP, scored 38 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder once again overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-103, on Thursday night (Friday, May 23, 2025, PH time) to seize a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 field goals and 13 of 15 free throws after receiving his MVP trophy from Commissioner Adam Silver before the game.
“I feel like all my emotions were so high, but I was a little bit tired out there, especially at the start,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I was a little too juiced up. Special moment. I’m happy we won so I can really enjoy the last couple days and soak it up. That really helps.”
Jalen Williams contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Chet Holmgren added 22 points for the Thunder, who are now two wins away from reaching the NBA Finals.
Earlier in the day, Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort was named first-team all-defense, and Williams was named second-team all-defense. They anchored a defensive effort that held Minnesota to just 41.4% shooting.
“When you win games, you do it together and you have fun out there, everything else -- all the individual stuff you want -- it comes with it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, though it took him 26 shots to get there. Jaden McDaniels scored 22 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 17 for Minnesota.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday in Minneapolis. Teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series have a strong historical record of advancing.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit a three-pointer with 16 seconds left in the first half, then made a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining, helping Oklahoma City establish a 58-50 halftime advantage. He tallied 19 points before the break.
“We didn’t close the half very well,” Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. “I thought if we close the half better then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge in the third.”
In the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the paint and put up a shot that went in as he was fouled by his cousin, Alexander-Walker. Gilgeous-Alexander made the ensuing free throw, extending the Thunder’s lead to 73-64.
A fast-break lob from Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a two-handed jam late in the third quarter put Oklahoma City ahead 82-65. The Thunder carried a 93-71 lead into the final period.
Minnesota managed to close the gap to within 10 points in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City held them off. Now, the Timberwolves will head home, where they hold a 4-1 record in the playoffs.
Finch expressed optimism despite the two losses.
“Every minute in a series is a chance to find something,” he said. “So we’re going to go back home. This is a good team at home. So we’re going to go home and fight for Game 3. Heads up, look at the tape and get ready for Game 3.” / FROM THE WIRES