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The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a commanding 118-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday (May 22). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off receiving the NBA MVP award, led the Thunder with a game-high 38 points, eight assists, and three steals. Jalen Williams contributed a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 22 points to the scoreboard.
The Thunder, who led by as many as 24 points, showcased their defensive prowess, holding the Timberwolves to 41.4% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. A decisive 23-5 run in the third quarter allowed Oklahoma City to pull away, despite a late push from Minnesota. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Thunder's dominance. Julius Randle struggled, scoring only six points and sitting out the entire fourth quarter.
The Thunder's victory gives them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with the next two games set to take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Historically, teams that win the first two games of a series go on to win 92.2% of the time. Game Three is scheduled for Saturday (May 24) at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Timberwolves will need to regroup and find answers to the Thunder's strong defense and offensive depth if they hope to turn the series around.