Timberwolves vs Thunder Game Analysis
Oklahoma City has not appeared in the NBA Finals since 2012, while Minnesota has never made it that far. In Game 1 of the Conference Finals, the Thunder showed why they were the No. 1 seed throughout the regular season with 68 wins. Seven of their players scored seven or more points, with four getting double digits.
During the regular season, the teams split their four games 2-2. Minnesota knows how to beat this team, primarily by committing fewer turnovers. That didn’t happen in Game 1 as they had 17 compared to the Thunder, who had 12.
Minnesota Timberwolves Recent Scores
The Timberwolves managed to get through the first two rounds with only one loss per series. They’ve played one game in the Conference Finals and already have one loss. With six days of rest before Game 1, it looked more like six days of rust. They were defeated 114-88.
Minnesota was leading 47-38 late in the second quarter, but stalled in the third quarter, scoring only 18 points and giving up 32. They never recovered.
Only two of their players scored 10 points or more. One was Julius Randle, who had 28 points, but he also had five turnovers. The other was Anthony Edwards, who scored 18 points, but has been averaging 27.6 points in the postseason.
Of their 83 shots, 51 were three-pointers, and only 15 were successful, resulting in a 29% conversion rate.
Oklahoma City Thunder Recent Scores
The Thunder blew past the Grizzlies with four straight wins in the first round, but were tested against the Nuggets in the second round, taking seven games to get their four wins. With only one day off, they were still able to set the tone for this series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.2 points in the playoffs and netted 31 in Game 1, with nine assists. Of their 21 attempts at three-pointers, they nailed 11 for a 51% completion rate.
Home Court Advantage: Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction
Sixteen of the last 17 Western Conference teams that won Game 1 at home have advanced to the NBA Finals.
The Thunder’s defense ranks 1st in efficiency. Led by Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Chet Holmgren, it was successful in suffocating the Wolves, limiting their paint scoring and forcing turnovers.
Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, noted that rushed play and poor shot selection hampered their defense. He’ll need Edwards and Randle to get back on track.
Oklahoma City’s depth and home-court advantage will be a barrier to the Wolves, but they have the size with players Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels to help with rebounds and free-throw attempts. Minnesota needs to capitalize on physicality, especially if this series stretches to six or seven games.
The Wolves were able to win two of the four regular-season games against the Thunder, so I think they’ll find a way to win, but not in Game 2. The Thunder will win 117-110. Here at PayPerHead we’re dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the news related to the NBA playoffs.
