Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), middle, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder Storm Into Finals After 12-Year Wait
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 to win the Western Conference finals 4-1 and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Chet Holmgren added 22 points and Jalen Williams had 19. The Thunder led 65-32 at halftime and rested their starters early in the fourth. With the NBA's best 68-14 regular-season record, they will have home-court advantage in the Finals starting June 5. Oklahoma City will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks. Minnesota struggled.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) pose for a photo after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder players and coaches celebrate after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), left, center Isaiah Hartenstein (55), middle, and forward Jaylin Williams (6) celebrate during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles down the court during the second half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch reacts next to center Naz Reid (11) during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), right, works toward the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) defends during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), left, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) battle for possession of the ball during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Oklahoma City.
NBA Western Conference finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves
| Photo: AP/Nate Billings
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Oklahoma City.
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