Thunder Imposes its Defense against Timberwolves in Game 1
Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their defensive prowess by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first game of the Western Conference Finals. After overcoming the challenges posed by the zone defenses of the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder adapted to the aggressive man-to-man defense of the Timberwolves, securing a resounding victory.
The Oklahoma City team, known for its solid defense, managed to impose its game despite a complicated offensive start. The Thunder took advantage of the Timberwolves’ 19 turnovers, converting them into 31 points, which allowed them to pull away on the scoreboard and secure the victory with a final score of 114-88.
We tried to play with our identity. We did a good job on defense. Our defense definitely gave us life at the beginning of the game and kept us in it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Despite scoring only 44 points in the first half, the Thunder stayed close on the scoreboard, trailing by only four points at halftime, thanks to their defense. Coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and calibrate their game against the opponent.
Oklahoma City’s defense has been the key to the team’s success, both in the regular season and in the playoffs. During the regular season, the Thunder led the league in defense, allowing 106.6 points per 100 possessions, and they have raised that level in the playoffs, allowing only 100.7 points per 100 possessions in 12 games.
The Thunder’s defense not only stops their opponents, but also generates offensive opportunities. They average 25.3 points off turnovers in the playoffs, the most in the play-by-play era that began in 1997.
The team forces an average of 18.3 turnovers per game in the playoffs, up from the 17.0 they forced in the regular season. Coach Daigneault emphasizes the importance of defensive aggressiveness, trust in the system and in teammates, which often results in turnovers and difficult shots for opponents.
After a first half with a 37.5% field goal shooting accuracy, Oklahoma City found its offensive rhythm in the second half, scoring 70 points with a 61.9% effectiveness. In the third quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams outscored the Timberwolves, consolidating the Thunder’s lead.
The Timberwolves, with Julius Randle as their leading scorer in the first half, failed to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. The Thunder limited the Timberwolves to 34.9% field goal shooting and 29.4% on three-pointers. Minnesota scored only 20 points in the paint, their lowest amount in a playoff game since 2004.
There are two sides to basketball. If you want to play just one side, you have to play really well, and you don’t want to count on that, especially in the playoffs. Especially against a good team and good players like the ones they have on the other side. You really have to try to give yourself a chance on both ends, and if things aren’t going well on one end, you really have to focus on the other.
Chet Holmgren
