Minnesota got utterly embarrassed in the second half of Game 1 of Western Conference Finals.
Oklahoma City manhandled Anthony Edwards and his team defensively on Tuesday night. Julius Randle was the Timberwolves’ leading scorer — 28 points — however, the Thunder shut Edwards and others down. Oklahoma City blew Minnesota out in the second half, outscoring it 70-40. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 31 points in earning Most Valuable Player honors from the National Basketball Association. He had nine assists, three steals, and five rebounds, while getting to the free throw line to make 11-of-14 attempts in the Thunder’s 114-88 victory. Edwards was held to 18 points on five-of-13 shooting and had four turnovers. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sees trouble brewing for the T’Wolves if it does not step up.
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“This series could end up being a romp. This series could end up being as lopsided as they come.”
—@stephenasmith on Thunder-Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/8YFV7GcWuz
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 21, 2025
“That showing last night by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half, by him [Anthony Edwards] in the second half, says a lot,” Smith said Wednesday via First Take. “If they don’t find a way to resurrect themselves, this series could end up being a romp. This series could end up being as lopsided as they come.”
OKC handled Edwards with great defense and never allowed his supporting cast to get hot.
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Minnesota has to find an answer with Game 2 on Thursday night.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
