Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over Minnesota Timberwolves
In an exciting Western Conference matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by a standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 114-88 in the first game of the conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP finalist, shone with 31 points, 20 of them scored in the second half of the game. In addition, the player added nine assists, demonstrating his versatility on the court.
On the part of Minnesota, Julius Randle scored 28 points, but only eight in the second half. Anthony Edwards, averaging 26.5 points in the playoffs, was limited to 18 points, with a 5-of-13 field goal percentage.
The match was played in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder demonstrated their superiority. The home team, with a great performance in the third quarter, achieved a significant lead that they maintained until the end of the match.
Game 2 will be held on Thursday in Oklahoma City.
At halftime, Minnesota led 48-44, with Randle scoring 20 points and hitting 5 of 6 three-pointers. Gilgeous-Alexander had scored 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting before the break.
In the third quarter, the Thunder went on a 10-0 run to take the lead 66-60. Kenrich Williams, a seldom-used substitute this postseason, made a mid-range shot and a three-pointer in a row, extending the lead to 71-62. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 32-18 in the third quarter, securing a 76-66 lead for the final period.
A spectacular dunk by Holmgren put Oklahoma City up 86-75, unleashing euphoria among the fans. Gilgeous-Alexander, while falling to the ground after a foul, scored and made the free throw, increasing the lead to 91-77 with seven minutes left in the game.
