Thunder win Western Conference Finals, make first NBA Finals appearance since 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Thunder Up! The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially claimed the 2024–2025 Western Conference Championship. They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 on Wednesday night, closing the series with a dominant 4-1 victory.

Now, the team awaits the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Indiana Pacers currently lead the New York Knicks 3-1. Both teams will face off again in New York on Thursday at 7 p.m. If the Pacers win, they advance to the NBA Finals to face the Thunder. However, if the Knicks win, Game 6 will return to Indiana on Saturday. Should the Knicks even the series, a decisive Game 7 would take place in New York on Monday, June 2.

The Road to the NBA Finals

First Round: Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Thunder entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference with a league-best record of 68-14. While play-in teams battled for their place, Oklahoma City prepared to face the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies.

They wasted no time asserting dominance. In Games 1 and 2 at home, the Thunder delivered blowout victories: 131-80 and 118-99. The series then shifted to Memphis, but the results didn’t change. Oklahoma City closed out the sweep with hard-fought wins in Game 3 (114-108) and Game 4 (117-115), advancing 4-0.

Western Conference Semifinals: Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

The second-round matchup with the defending champion Denver Nuggets proved much more challenging. In Game 1, the Thunder held a comfortable 113-102 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Yet, the Nuggets surged back. After two missed free throws by Chet Holmgren, Aaron Gordon nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Denver a stunning 121-119 win.

Nevertheless, Oklahoma City bounced back with a massive Game 2 response, demolishing the Nuggets 149-106 to tie the series. The rest of the series was a tight back-and-forth, eventually reaching a pivotal Game 7. In front of a roaring home crowd, the Thunder dominated, winning 125-93 and booking their spot in the Conference Finals.

Western Conference Finals: Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The final step before the NBA Finals pitted the Thunder against a tough Minnesota Timberwolves squad. The series opened in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder once again started strong. They captured Game 1 with a 114-88 win and followed up in Game 2 with a 118-103 victory.

Before Game 2, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presented Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the 2024–2025 KIA Most Valuable Player award. The star guard averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game on 51.9% shooting. He now joins Thunder legends Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as an MVP winner.

The series then moved to Minnesota, where the Timberwolves handed the Thunder their first loss of the postseason, 143-101. Anthony Edwards led the way with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite the setback, the Thunder responded in Game 4. They edged out a thrilling 128-126 win, holding off a late Timberwolves rally. Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the game with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.

On to the NBA Finals

Back in Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Thunder wasted no time. Energized by their home crowd and driven by their MVP, the team stormed out of the gate and never looked back. With efficient offense and suffocating defense, they cruised to a 124-94 win, capturing the Western Conference title.

Now, the Thunder await their next opponent—either the Pacers or the Knicks—as they prepare to compete in their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.

In Summary:
The Thunder have dominated this year’s postseason with confidence, resilience, and standout performances. From sweeping Memphis to edging out Denver, and finally toppling Minnesota, they’ve proven themselves ready for the biggest stage. Oklahoma City is just four wins away from basketball immortality.

Thunder Up!