OKC Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 2 preview: 5 keys to the game; season series, how to watch, stats and odds

The Thunder and Timberwolves face off for Game 2 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

OKC, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, beat Minnesota 114-88 in Game 1 on Tuesday and then SGA was awarded the NBA MVP award on Wednesday.

>>> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named the 2025 NBA MVP

OKC looks to take a 2-0 series lead tonight at Paycom Center.

Here's 5 keys to Game 2 between the Thunder and Timberwolves.

1. Double Down on Defensive

The Thunder’s physical, disciplined defense disrupted Minnesota’s offensive rhythm in Game 1, holding them to just 20 points in the paint and forcing 19 turnovers. That tone-setting intensity needs to carry over, especially early in Game 2. Expect the Timberwolves to respond with urgency and try to impose themselves physically. OKC must stay committed to help rotations, walling off drives, and crowding Anthony Edwards’ space. Defense isn’t just their identity, it’s their emotional stabilizer.

2. Maintain Composure

Game 1 proved that the Thunder can absorb poor stretches like Shai’s 2-for-13 first half without losing belief. That mental resilience must remain a pillar. Minnesota will likely be more physical, and shots may not fall early. Trusting their process, staying locked into assignments, and stacking good possessions will be key to weathering the inevitable Game 2 pushback.

3. Win the Matchup Within the Margin: Depth and Role Execution

OKC’s role players from Kenrich Williams to Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe swung Game 1 with effort, defense, and timely decision-making. That’s not accidental. The Thunder thrive on preparation, professionalism, and ego-free basketball. Game 2 will hinge on the second unit continuing to defend, rebound, and take pressure off the starters especially if Minnesota clamps down on Shai and Jalen early. Small moments from unsung players could again make the difference.

4. Keep Tactical Flexibility and Lineup Fluidity

Mark Daigneault’s ability to adjust on the fly whether staggering minutes, altering matchups, or changing offensive spacing was crucial in Game 1. That flexibility should continue to evolve in Game 2. Minnesota may send more doubles at Shai or push pace; OKC must counter with new wrinkles. Whether it’s playing smaller to spread the floor or leaning on Chet Holmgren's mobility to drag Gobert away from the paint, the Thunder’s adaptability is a hidden weapon.

5. Set the Tempo and Play with Purpose

The Thunder controlled the pace in the second half by pushing in transition and flattening Minnesota’s half-court defense. They don’t need to play fast just for the sake of it —they need to play purposefully. Early attacks off turnovers, decisive ball movement, and proper spacing will test Minnesota’s legs and focus. If OKC dictates tempo again, it’ll force the Wolves into reactive basketball — and that’s when the game opens up.

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Last Game

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half as the top-seeded Thunder rolled past the Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night.

After a rough 2-of-13 start, Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm, hitting 8 of 14 shots after halftime. “I just tried to continue to be aggressive, trust my work,” he said.

Julius Randle led Minnesota with 28 points, but only scored eight after the break. Anthony Edwards was limited to 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting, well below his playoff average. “I’ve got to shoot more… probably just play without the ball more,” Edwards said, noting OKC’s paint-clogging defense.

Minnesota led 48-44 at halftime, but Oklahoma City stormed out with a 10-0 run in the third and outscored the Wolves 32-18 in the quarter. Key buckets from Kenrich Williams and a spinning dunk by Chet Holmgren helped build momentum. Gilgeous-Alexander’s and-one floater pushed the lead to 91-77 midway through the fourth.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s poise: “For us to play as poorly as we did offensively in the first half and be down four was a major victory.”

Full Injury Report:

Oklahoma City Thunder

Topic, Nikola Out Injury/Illness - Left Knee; Surgery

Schedule

1. Game 3: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Sat., May 24 (7:30, ABC)
2. Game 4: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Mon., May 26 (7:30, ESPN)
3. Game 5: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Wed., May 28 (7:30, ESPN)*
4. Game 6: Thunder vs. Timberwolves; Fri., May 30 (7:30, ESPN)*
5. Game 7: Timberwolves vs. Thunder; Sun., June 1 (7, ESPN)*

Season Series

The 2024–25 regular-season series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves was evenly split at 2–2.

Dec. 31, 2024 — Thunder 113, Timberwolves 105

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Thunder to their seventh straight win, rallying past the Timberwolves after trailing at halftime. OKC used a dominant third quarter — outscoring Minnesota 43-23 — to flip a 12-point deficit into a double-digit lead.

Isaiah Hartenstein added 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Lu Dort and Jalen Williams each scored 14. Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 20 points, and Naz Reid added 19.

Feb. 13, 2025 — Timberwolves 116, Thunder 101

Naz Reid led the way with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists as a depleted Timberwolves squad snapped Oklahoma City’s seven-game win streak heading into the All-Star break. Anthony Edwards added 23 points, and Jaden McDaniels scored 21 as Minnesota (31-25) leaned on small-ball to take down the West-leading Thunder (44-10).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds but shot just 2-of-13 in the first half. His 25-point scoring streak ended at 22 games.

Feb. 23, 2025 — Thunder 130, Timberwolves 123

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to power the Thunder past the Timberwolves in the first of a back-to-back set. Oklahoma City (46-10) shot a season-best 54% from three (19-of-35), with Chet Holmgren adding 19 points.

Despite trailing by 19 in the second quarter, Minnesota (31-27) battled back with a 25-4 run but couldn’t hold off OKC down the stretch. Gilgeous-Alexander sparked an 18-4 Thunder run late in the fourth after Minnesota briefly took the lead.

Feb. 24, 2025 — Timberwolves 131, Thunder 128 (OT)

The Timberwolves pulled off a historic comeback, rallying from 25 points down to stun the Thunder in overtime. Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points, and Anthony Edwards delivered a clutch block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s go-ahead layup attempt in the final seconds.

Naz Reid had 22 points and 11 boards, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 21. Edwards added 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists despite limited fourth-quarter minutes.

SGA led the Thunder (46-11) with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but his late heroics came up short. OKC, which led by 22 entering the fourth, was outscored 41-19 in the final period.

Playoff History

Their sole previous postseason encounter occurred in the 1998 Western Conference First Round, when the Thunder were known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Seattle won the best-of-five series 3–2. Notable performances included Gary Payton averaging 26.0 points per game for the SuperSonics and Kevin Garnett contributing 15.8 points per game for the Timberwolves.

Game Info

May 22, 2025, 7:30

Paycom Center, OKC

Watch: ESPN

Odds

The Thunder are listed as 7.5-point favorites via FanDuel