NBA Playoffs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupts for 31 as Thunder beat Timberwolves in WCF Game 1

With 31 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 to take a 1-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference finals series.

After taking a 48-44 lead at the break after dominating the first two quarters, a self-assured Minnesota team appeared poised for an upset against the top seeds.

Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle, who scored 20 points in the first half.

After outscoring Minnesota 32–18 in the third quarter, Oklahoma City stormed back to take a commanding 76–66 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Thunder's comeback following a sluggish first half in which he scored 11 points on only 2 of 13 field goals.

Crucially, Minnesota star Anthony Edwards was held scoreless in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma City's defense took charge and stopped Randle's scoring pace.

Williams finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 points, five rebounds, and nine assists. Isaiah Hartenstein scored 12 points, and Chet Holmgren contributed 15.

The series' second game is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City.