By Chris Robinson
For the first time in 13 years, the Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals.
This comes after a dominant 124-94 Game 5 home-court victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to close out the series, 4-1.
The Thunder stormed to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never looked back, leading by as much as 39 points as the game progressed.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Throughout the series, Gilgeous-Alexander was a tremendous leader for his young squad.
Versatile Center-forward Chet Holmgren added 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while All-Star Jalen Williams contributed 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Minnesota often had flashes of life in the series, especially in their big Game 3 victory. Ultimately it was Oklahoma City’s cohesiveness, depth, suffocating defense, and efficient shooting that tipped the series in their favor.
OKC finished as the top seed in the West after an impressive 68-14 regular season, and they carried that momentum into the playoffs.
The Thunder are now four wins away from their first NBA title since the franchise’s 1979 championship when they were the Seattle SuperSonics.
They will await the winner of the Indiana Pacers-New York Knicks, who play Game 6 in Indiana on Saturday night.
The Pacers lead that series, 3-2.
Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com