Oklahoma City, OK —
In a commanding performance that reinforced their status as legitimate title contenders, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118–103 in Game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals. With the win, the Thunder now hold a 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven series and head into Game 3 with significant momentum.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, led Oklahoma City with a game-high 38 points, along with 8 assists and 3 steals. His ability to control the tempo and deliver in crucial moments once again proved decisive. Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored 30 or more points in five consecutive playoff games, further solidifying his postseason legacy.
The Thunder also received strong contributions from their young core. Jalen Williams tallied 26 points, attacking the basket with precision and confidence, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points and provided valuable rim protection. The Thunder’s offense flowed seamlessly, producing 26 assists on 41 made field goals and exploiting Minnesota’s defensive lapses with clinical efficiency.
Minnesota, on the other hand, struggled to establish a consistent rhythm. Despite Anthony Edwards’ 32-point effort, the Timberwolves were plagued by turnovers and poor perimeter shooting. Edwards converted just one of his nine attempts from beyond the arc, and Minnesota committed 14 turnovers, leading to 23 points for Oklahoma City. Julius Randle, who was instrumental in Game 1, finished with only six points on 3-of-10 shooting and did not play in the fourth quarter, as head coach Chris Finch experimented with alternative lineups in an effort to close the gap.
The pivotal stretch occurred in the third quarter, when the Thunder broke the game open with a 35–21 run. Oklahoma City’s defense intensified, forcing contested shots and capitalizing on every Timberwolves mistake. The Thunder’s energy on both ends of the court was palpable, and by the end of the third quarter, they had built a 22-point lead that effectively sealed the game.
This victory marked another step forward in the Thunder’s rapid rebuild. Under the leadership of Gilgeous-Alexander and head coach Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City continues to display maturity beyond its years. Their balanced attack, defensive discipline, and home-court dominance have placed them just two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Looking ahead, the series shifts to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Saturday, May 24. The Timberwolves face a must-win situation, as no team has ever come back from a 0–3 deficit in the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota will need a significant turnaround in execution and intensity to change the trajectory of the series. Meanwhile, the Thunder will aim to maintain their momentum and edge closer to their championship aspirations.
