Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 34 points as Oklahoma City demolished Minnesota 124-94 on Wednesday to clinch the Western Conference title and seal a return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
The reigning MVP added eight assists and seven rebounds as the Thunder wrapped up the series 4-1. Game one of the Finals tips off June 5 in Oklahoma City.
Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and Jalen Williams added 19 in a dominant performance that saw OKC lead by as many as 37.
Minnesota never recovered from a dismal start, trailing 26-9 after the first quarter and coughing up 14 first-half turnovers.
“They came ready to play. We didn’t,” said Anthony Edwards, who had 19 points. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24.
Despite the milestone, Gilgeous-Alexander kept the focus forward: “We’ve got a lot more work to do… this is not the ultimate goal.”
The Thunder await the Eastern Conference champion between the Pacers and the Knicks as they seek their first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
