The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves, 124-94, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals and advance to the NBA Finals. Notable Stats Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 34 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists 11th game w/ 30+ PTS in this year’s Playoffs, tying Kevin Durant (2014) for most in a Playoff run in franchise history. Recorded 30+ PTS and 5+ AST in this year’s Playoffs for the 10th time. He’s ONE of THREE players to reach that total in a single Playoff run, joining: LeBron James (11x in 2018, 2017, 2015) and Michael Jordan (11x in 1990 and 1989, 10x in 1992). Tonight is the fourth game of this year’s Playoffs where SGA has totaled 30+ PTS in a POTENTIAL series clinching game (“can clinch series” game) OKC is 3-1 in these games FOURTH PLAYER since 2000 to reach four such games in a single Playoff run, joining: Stephen Curry (2017); Kobe Bryant (2009), Shaquille O’Neal (2000) 10th player overall and 14th such instance to meet these totals in a single Playoff run dating back to the 1950 Playoffs FOUR such games for OKC in his career now rank second in franchise history, trailing only Kevin Durant (11) (SGA – 4; Russell Westbrook – 3) With 4 on the year, he has the most in a SINGLE Playoff run in OKC’s franchise history Broke tie w/ KD (3 in 2011 and 2016) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been awarded the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Trophy as Western Conference Finals MVP. Averages across series: 31.4 PTS | 8.2 AST | 5.2 REB He becomes the fourth recipient of the award since it’s inception in 2022: Luka Dončić – 2024 Nikola Jokić – 2023 Stephen Curry – 2022 The Thunder’s average age entering today is 25.6 years old based on age weighted for games played in the Playoffs. They’re the 2nd youngest team in NBA history to make the NBA Finals since in the Shot Clock era (1954-55). The only team younger was the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers, with an average age of 25.03. This is OKC’s second trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history (2012) OKC only lost 1 game to EC teams all year – to CLE at CLE Tonight marks OKC’s 80th win between the regular season and the Playoffs 15th team in NBA history to reach 80 wins across RS and Playoffs Tonight is OKC’s 61st win of the overall year by double digits That puts them a top of the list in NBA history, breaking a tie with the 2016-17 Warriors The Thunder now have four 30+ PT wins this Playoff run (all at home) That’s the MOST in a single Playoff run ever (all games – not just home) Three other teams w/ 3 – 2016 CLE | 1987 LAL | 1996 UTA 5 25+ PT victories this Playoff run ties 2016 CLE and 2016 GSW for most in a Playoff run
