NBA: Shai Ignites Second-Half Surge As Thunder Blow Past Wolves In Game 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander caught fire in the second half, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 114-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday. After a rough first half where he shot just 2-of-13, the MVP finalist came alive with 20 points after the break, finishing with 31 and nine assists. The Thunder, still riding high just two days after knocking out Denver in Game 7, shook off a slow start to dominate the second half. Julius Randle had 28 for Minnesota but faded after halftime, while Anthony Edwards was kept quiet with just 18 on 5-of-13 shooting. Kenrich Williams stepped up with back-to-back buckets in the third, and Chet Holmgren brought the house down with a spinning dunk. Gilgeous-Alexander put the game to bed with a wild-and-one finish that had the crowd roaring. Game 2 is set for Thursday in OKC.

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Updated on: 21 May 2025 12:17 pm

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) is double-teamed by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) and forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, meets with his wife, Hailey Summers, and their son Ares Alexander following Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Playoffs: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles the ball up court against Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Playoffs: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Reporter Nick Gallo, center, interviews Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) as forward Jaylin Williams, left, and teammates put towels on them following Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Basketball Western Conference Finals playoff Sseries: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) attempts a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams reacts after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Basketball Game: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Basketball Game: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams dribbles the ball up court against Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Basketball Game: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Basketball Game: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, shoots against his cousin Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, drives against his cousin Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.

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NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder Vs Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder | Photo: AP/Nate Billings

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards talks to teammates while dribbling the ball up court against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series in Oklahoma City.