Thunder headed to first NBA Finals since 2012

[ad_1] NEW Now you can hearken to Fox Information articles!

The Oklahoma City Thunder are actually 4 wins away from their first title since shifting out of Seattle.

The Thunder are the kings of the Western Convention after manhandling the Minnesota Timberwolves , 124-94, in Sport 5 of the convention finals on Wednesday evening.

It is the primary time the Thunder are within the NBA Finals since 2012 – that large three of a younger Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden misplaced to the superteam that was the Miami Warmth, led by LeBron James.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) factors through the first half of Sport 5 of the Western Convention finals of the NBA basketball playoffs in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, Might 28, 2025, in Oklahoma Metropolis. (AP Photograph/Nate Billings)

Instances received darkish in recent times, although – Durant left after the 2015-16 season following the Thunder blowing a 3-1 result in the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in that season's convention finals. After the Warriors returned the favor to James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant headed west to the Bay Space and gained two titles.

Whereas that occurred, it prompted a rebuild that took the workforce close to the underside of the league's standings simply 4 years in the past.

MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the best way with 34 factors, whereas Chet Holmgren added 22. Jalen Williams added 19 factors and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and ahead Chet Holmgren (7) have fun after a play in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves within the third quarter throughout recreation two of the western convention finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Heart. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn Pictures)

INDIANA FEVER SUFFER WORST LOSS OF THE SEASON IN CAITLIN CLARK'S FIRST MISSED GAME OF CAREER

Oklahoma Metropolis will play the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the finals . Indiana leads the Jap Convention finals collection 3-1 with Sport 5 to be performed in New York Metropolis on Thursday.

Oklahoma Metropolis can have homecourt benefit when the Finals start on June 5 due to its league-best 68-14 regular-season file.

Julius Randle scored 24 factors and Anthony Edwards added 19 for the Timberwolves, who shot simply 41.2% from the sphere and dedicated 21 turnovers.

Oklahoma Metropolis opened the sport on an 11-3 run and prolonged the benefit all through the primary quarter. Cason Wallace drained a 3-pointer as the primary quarter expired to place the Thunder up 26-9 on the finish of the interval.

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks off the courtroom after his workforce defeated the Denver Nuggets in recreation seven of the second spherical for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Heart. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn Pictures)