NBA: Thunder crush Timberwolves once more for 2-0 West finals lead

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reacts after a play towards the Minnesota Timberwolves all the way through the primary part of Game 2 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff collection Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

OKLAHOMA CITY— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 issues an afternoon after being named the NBA’s MVP, and the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Minnesota Timberwolves once more, profitable 118-103 on Thursday night time to take a 2-0 lead within the Western Conference finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 box objectives and 13 of 15 unfastened throws after receiving his MVP trophy from Commissioner Adam Silver prior to the sport. He additionally had 8 assists and 3 steals.

Jalen Williams had 26 issues and 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 issues for the Thunder.

SHAI SHINES ON #KiaMVP CELEBRATION NIGHT!!

⚡️ 38 PTS
⚡️ 8 AST
⚡️ 3 STL

Receives the Michael Jordan trophy and takes a 2-0 collection lead within the West Finals 🏆 pic.twitter.com/v2NWeZMT5K

— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2025

Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort used to be named first-team all protection and Williams used to be named second-team all-defense previous within the day. They helped anchor a unit that held Minnesota to 41.4% taking pictures.

Anthony Edwards scored 32 issues nevertheless it took him 26 pictures to get them. Jaden McDaniels scored 22 issues and Nickeil Walker-Alexander added 17 for the Timberwolves.

Game 3 is Saturday in Minneapolis.

Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left within the first part, then made a couple of unfastened throws with 3 seconds last to assist Oklahoma City take a 58-50 lead. He scored 19 issues prior to the spoil.

In the 3rd quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the paint and threw up a wild shot that went in as he used to be fouled by way of his cousin, Alexander-Walker. Gilgeous-Alexander made the unfastened throw to offer the Thunder a 73-64 lead.

A lob by way of Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a two-handed jam on a quick spoil put Oklahoma City up 82-65 overdue within the 3rd quarter. The Thunder took a 93-71 merit into the fourth.