OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder came out swinging in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, delivering a statement win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite a shaky start and a less-than-perfect performance, the Thunder cruised to a commanding 114–88 victory on their home court.
Australian fans watching the NBA playoffs would have noticed two things: OKC didn’t need perfection to dominate, and Minnesota looked like they’d forgotten to turn up after halftime.
Here are five major takeaways from Oklahoma City's powerful Game 1 performance.
1. OKC’s Defence Sets the Tone
Throughout the regular season, the Thunder’s defence was their not-so-secret weapon. It’s no surprise that it played a starring role in Game 1. OKC’s defensive unit was clinical, especially in the second half, where they held the Timberwolves to just 40 points.
The game changed momentum through sheer defensive will. Even when things weren’t going smoothly on the offensive end, OKC stayed in the hunt thanks to their ability to shut down Minnesota’s top threats. As head coach Mark Daigneault put it, “We lost the round but we didn’t get knocked out.”
By the time the Thunder corrected their shooting woes, Minnesota was out of solutions. Jalen Williams was a standout, snagging five steals and helping turn the Wolves' 19 turnovers into a hefty 31 points for OKC.
The Thunder’s ability to make defence their launching pad was on full display — and it left Minnesota scrambling for answers.
2. Where Was Anthony Edwards?
When the Timberwolves needed their star the most, Anthony Edwards delivered a surprisingly quiet performance. With just 18 points — and none in the final quarter — the man touted as the next big face of the NBA came up short.
Sure, he appeared to roll his ankle late in the first quarter, which may have impacted his rhythm. But against a high-energy OKC squad that just dismantled Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets in Game 7, that’s not enough of an excuse.
“I guess I gotta shoot more,” Edwards said postgame. “I only took 13 [expletive] shots.”
That sums it up. Edwards was passive, and it cost Minnesota dearly. While Julius Randle put in a decent first half (20 points), he couldn’t carry the load alone — and against a team like OKC, half efforts just don’t cut it.
3. OKC’s Big Men Are the Real Deal
After successfully handling the MVP-sized challenge of Nikola Jokic in the previous round, OKC’s big men Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren made light work of the Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert.
Gobert, known for his defensive prowess rather than scoring ability, was ineffective. He managed just two points and three rebounds in 21 minutes — a worrying stat line for the Wolves. Meanwhile, Hartenstein feasted with his floaters, and Holmgren punished Minnesota’s interior with timely cuts and alley-oops.
Combined, the OKC duo dropped 27 points and 12 rebounds. It wasn’t just the numbers that hurt — it was the sheer ease with which they achieved them.
At this point, the Timberwolves must decide whether Gobert’s defence is worth keeping on the floor if he’s offering nothing offensively. Naz Reid is more productive on that end, but lacks Gobert’s paint protection. It’s a tactical dilemma that coach Chris Finch needs to address fast.
4. Shai’s Free Throw Masterclass Frustrates the Wolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t have his best shooting game — just 2-of-13 from the field in the first half — but he stayed in the game by getting to the line. And he got there often.
In the first half alone, Shai shot 13 of his 14 free throws, a critical lifeline that kept OKC afloat while the offence found its feet. His crafty use of body positioning and timing repeatedly drew fouls — and it drove the Timberwolves mad.
Anthony Edwards earned himself a technical foul after tossing the ball at Shai’s feet in frustration. But more damaging was the foul trouble for Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota’s best perimeter defender. He picked up his fourth foul just minutes into the third quarter and spent most of the game sidelined, giving Gilgeous-Alexander more room to operate.
Coach Finch acknowledged the frustration postgame, saying, “We have to be able to put that aside and get on with a next-play mentality.” Easier said than done when the star guard is dancing his way to the stripe.
5. Wolves’ Bench Goes Missing
When a team’s starters aren’t firing, you hope the bench can step up. That didn’t happen for Minnesota in Game 1. Their reserves — Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker — were ice cold, combining to shoot just 7-for-36 from the floor.
Reid, usually a reliable spark plug, couldn’t get going. DiVincenzo, in particular, has been in a serious slump all playoffs, hitting just 25% from deep. For Aussie fans familiar with his streaky play during his time with the Warriors, this trend isn’t exactly surprising — but it's certainly alarming.
Meanwhile, OKC’s bench did the job and then some. Kenrich Williams, who had barely played this postseason, delivered a vital 10-minute stint in the third quarter that included eight points and a burst of energy that pushed the Thunder’s lead out of reach.
The Wolves were already on the back foot. Without help from their bench, they had no chance of catching OKC once the Thunder hit their stride.
What’s Next?
Minnesota now trails 0–1 in the best-of-seven series and needs a quick reset before Game 2 on Thursday (Friday morning AEST). The Timberwolves have the talent, but OKC has the momentum — and on current form, the Thunder’s wave of energy, defence, and team chemistry might be too strong to stop.
Coach Finch summed it up best: “We’ve got to pick up our decision-making and we’ve got to clean things up a little bit.”
For Aussie hoops fans, Game 2 promises to be another cracker — but unless the Timberwolves make serious adjustments, this series could slip away from them just as quickly as Game 1 did.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
