From the initial jump, the home team showed their hunger for glory. A partial score of 26-9 in the first quarter unleashed euphoria in the Paycom Center, where more than 18 thousand fans watched their team mercilessly dismantle an opponent that found no answers either offensively or defensively.
The undisputed leader was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who confirmed his status as the regular season MVP with an impressive stat sheet: 34 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Every possession of his seemed measured with a scalpel. He was backed by Chet Holmgren, with 22 points and 3 blocks, and Jalen Williams, who contributed energy, defense, and 19 points from mid-range.On the Timberwolves' side, frustration was evident. Anthony Edwards, limited by the constant pressure of the defense, barely managed 19 points. Julius Randle, one of the most active players on the visiting team, finished with 24 points, insufficient against the rain of three-pointers and the Thunder's physical superiority on both boards.
With this victory, Oklahoma closes the series 4-1 and confirms its status as an emerging power in the NBA. The team led by Mark Daigneault, who signed a record of 68-14 in the regular season, now awaits the winner of the series between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.
The first game of the Finals is scheduled for June 5th, again on Oklahoma soil, where championship dreams are strongly revived. Thirteen years after that defeat against Miami in 2012, the Thunder returns to the biggest stage in basketball, this time determined to finish the story with a ring.