After 24 minutes on Tuesday night in game one of the Western Conference Final, the Minnesota Timberwolves were actually the better team as they had a narrow 48-44 lead. Minnesota exemplified tight defense on the star Oklahoma City Thunder player, NBA MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Toronto, Ontario. As a result, the elite Canadian guard only made two of 13 field goal attempts.
However, in the National Basketball Association, teams play 48 minutes instead of 24. What we saw in the second half was a high tempo, electrifying performance by OKC, both offensively and defensively. The Thunder completely controlled the play, and as a result, outscored Minnesota 70-40 en route to a dominant 114-88 win.
What we saw in half number two was prolific play from SGA, who came back by making eight of 14 field goals. four of five free throws, with five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Most impressively, Gilgeous-Alexander was a +25 in the final 24 minutes, and as a result, the Thunder have taken a one game to none series lead.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 31 points. He was one of four Thunder players to reach double digits in points. He was joined by guard Jalen Williams of Denver, Colorado (19 points), center Chet Holmgren of Minneapolis, Minnesota (15 points), and center Isaiah Hartenstein of Eugene, Oregon (12 points).
On Wednesday, the New York Knicks face the Indiana Pacers in game one of the Eastern Conference Final from New York’s Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the Thunder and Timberwolves resume Thursday from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
