Thunder roll Timberwolves to take 2-0 lead in Western Conference finals | NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 factors a day after being named the NBA’s MVP, and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves once more, profitable 118-103 on Thursday night time to take a 2-0 lead within the Western Convention finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 subject targets and 13 of 15 free throws after receiving his MVP trophy from NBA commissioner Adam Silver earlier than the sport. He additionally had eight assists and three steals. Jalen Williams had 26 factors and 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 factors for the Thunder.

Oklahoma Metropolis’s Lu Dort was named first-team all protection and Williams was named second-team all-defense earlier within the day. They helped anchor a unit that held Minnesota to 41.4% capturing.

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

Sport 3 is on Saturday in Minneapolis.

“We gotta do a better job on Ant, they’re going to have energy in the building at home, it’s a very good crowd over there,” mentioned Gilgeous-Alexander when requested about his ideas on Sport 3. “We gotta bring the fight early if we’re going to have a chance.”

Gilgeous-Alexander hit a three-pointer with 16 seconds left within the first half, then made a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining to assist Oklahoma Metropolis take a 58-50 lead. He scored 19 factors earlier than the break.

Within the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the paint and threw up a wild shot that went in as he was fouled by his cousin, Alexander-Walker. Gilgeous-Alexander made the free throw to present the Thunder a 73-64 lead.

A lob by Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a two-handed jam on a quick break put Oklahoma Metropolis up 82-65 late within the third quarter. The Thunder took a 93-71 benefit into the fourth, and the lead by no means appeared like being overhauled.