Thunder Dominate Timberwolves in Game 2: SGA’s 38 Points Fuel 2-0 Series Lead
Oklahoma City, on May 22, 2025 In the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game ended with 118-103 in game 2, taking a 2-0 series lead. SGA scored 38 points in a pivotal Game 3 victory for the Thunder over the Timberwolves. In the third quarter, they also played excellent defense. The Timberwolves struggle to stay in the race, but OKC's victory keeps them in the running for the title.
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| team | score | assist | 3pt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | 118 | 30 | 27% |
| Timberwovlves | 103 | 20 | 28% |
Standout Performances
| player | score | rebound | assist | fg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGA | 38 | 3 | 8 | 57% |
| Anthony Edwards | 32 | 9 | 6 | 46% |
Tactical Breakdown: OKC’s Defense and Depth Shine
The Thunder’s top-rated defense (No. 1 in playoff defensive efficiency, 10.6 steals per game) suffocated Minnesota, with Dort, Wallace, and Alex Caruso crowding Edwards and forcing tough shots. OKC’s 3.75 assist-to-turnover ratio in Game 2—their best this postseason—underscored their crisp ball movement, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams combining for 13 assists and just one turnover. Their ability to exploit Minnesota’s 14 turnovers for 22 points and dominate the paint (54-24 scoring edge) exposed the Timberwolves’ vulnerabilities.
Minnesota, despite a 2-2 regular-season split with OKC, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Their 28.6% three-point shooting (11/39) and inability to protect the ball (14 turnovers, 22 OKC points) mirrored Game 1’s issues (17 turnovers, 29.4% 3PT). Coach Chris Finch’s slow adjustments, particularly failing to counter OKC’s paint-clogging defense, left Edwards isolated, with Randle and Rudy Gobert unable to provide consistent support.
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What’s Next: Game 3 Looms Large
With a 2-0 lead, the Thunder head to Minnesota for Game 3 on May 24 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC). OKC’s 6-1 home playoff record (five wins by 19+ points) and 47-26-3 against-the-spread mark after wins signal their dominance, but road games will test their young core. Minnesota, with a 14-8-1 against-the-spread record as underdogs, must leverage their home crowd at Target Center to boost their supporting cast and cut down on turnovers. Finch may turn to Naz Reid earlier or adjust defensive schemes to slow Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s averaging 29.2 points and 6.6 assists in the playoffs.
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Conclusion: Thunder's grip gets stronger
The Thunder won Game 2 thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level play and a defense that wouldn't give up. Now Minnesota is in a tough spot at 0-2. The Timberwolves' offense has been inconsistent because of OKC's depth, discipline, and strong defense. This means that Minnesota must win Game 3. The Timberwolves need to be more aggressive and make fewer mistakes if they want to stop the Thunder from getting to the NBA Finals as the series moves to Target Center. Tune in on Saturday to see if Edwards can help his team come back or if OKC's young stars will keep winning in the playoffs.
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