OKLAHOMA CITY— The Minnesota Timberwolves were outscored 70-40 in the final two quarters, while the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied in the second half to win 114-88 and take an early lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, and teammate Jalen Williams added 19. Chet Holmgren, a former Minnehaha Academy standout, finished with 15 points for the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, tallied nine assists and made eight of fourteen field goals after halftime.
The Wolves led 48-44 after two quarters, thanks to a 20-point first half from Julius Randle. The 30-year-old finished the night with 28 points, going 5 for 6 from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds.
Oklahoma City had only two days earlier defeated Denver in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. Minnesota had not played since May 14.
The series continues Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter, taking a 66-60 lead. A short time later, Kenrich Williams, a seldom-used substitute this postseason, hit a midrange jumper and a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions to put the Thunder ahead 71-62. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 32-18 in the third quarter, taking a 76-66 lead into the fourth.
A spinning dunk by Holmgren in traffic put Oklahoma City up 86-75, eliciting a roar from the crowd. Gilgeous-Alexander prayed as he was fouled and fell to the floor. The ball rolled in, and he made the free throw to make it 91-77 with seven minutes left.
