As sports fans, we often question a team’s potential to win championships until they prove us wrong. The Boston Celtics faced skepticism about their duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, before ultimately securing their 18th banner. This phenomenon isn’t limited to basketball; even the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts faced doubts. Heading into the playoffs, many remained unconvinced that the Oklahoma City Thunder were more than just a solid regular-season team. However, these doubts have now been dispelled.
The Thunder decisively defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5, clinching the series 4-1 and paving their way to the NBA Finals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earning the Western Conference Finals MVP title after scoring 34 points. Oklahoma City will host Game 1 of the Finals on June 5, standing as favorites regardless of their opponents, be it the Pacers or Knicks.
While SGA’s performance was commendable, it was the Thunder’s robust defense that truly determined the game’s outcome. They applied relentless pressure from the start, forcing the Timberwolves into a disastrous first quarter where they shot just 3-of-20. Minnesota struggled offensively, scoring only 32 points in the first half with a dismal offensive rating of 61.5, trailing by 33 points.
Coach Chris Finch noted the Timberwolves’ loss of rhythm and connectivity, attributing their downfall to individual efforts rather than teamwork. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s success has silenced critics and reinforced their status as a formidable postseason team, showcasing that they are more than just a regular-season powerhouse.
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