Thunder vs. T’wolves: Western finals storylines, x-factors to watch
The Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship. They haven’t even played in the NBA Finals since joining the NBA as an expansion team in 1989.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been to the Finals once since relocating from Seattle in 2008, losing to the Miami Heat in 2012, and the franchise hasn’t won a title since the SuperSonics did in 1979 – when Jack Sikma’s fancy footwork and Gus Williams’ offense ruled the league.
One of those teams is going to the Finals as they meet in the Western Conference finals, starting with Game 1 Tuesday in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Who will it be?
Here are the storylines to watch in the Timberwolves vs. Thunder Western Conference finals:
Stars align with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards
Look at the NBA finalists and champions. You need stars to win, and both teams have them. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP finalist and very well could win the award for the first time in his career. He’s a scorer first, especially inside the 3-point line and at the foul line, but he can create for others. Teammate Jalen Williams was an All-Star for the first time this season, and though he had an inconsistent conference semifinals offensively, he delivered in Game 7 against Denver with 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. The Thunder will need that from him against Minnesota.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will make one of the three All-NBA teams this season as he gets closer to MVP territory. Just 23 years old, Edwards’ ability to score, rebound, pass and defend makes him difficult to match-up with offensively and defensively. He’s fun to watch and has a delightful swagger to his game. Forward Julius Randle was not an All-Star this season, but he has been one in the past and he’s playing like one now. Against Golden State in the conference semifinals, he scored 20 points in four of the five games, including 31 in Game 4 and produced a triple-double in Game 3.
X-factors on strong rosters
Every game has a player who makes a bigger-than-expected contribution. It’s not always the same player, especially with the depth Minnesota and Oklahoma City possess. For Minnesota, it might be Jaden McDaniel’s defense or Rudy Gobert’s rim protection. Or a timely 3-pointer from Mike Conley or a big game from Donte DiVincenzo or Naz Reid.
For the Thunder, Alex Caruso was that player in Game 7 against Denver, with 11 points, three assists, three steals and intense defense. Chet Holmgren – at 7-1 – can make 3s, rebound and block shots, presenting unique problems for the opponent. Center Isaiah Hartenstein can deliver a double-double and Lu Dort’s shooting and defense can impact the outcome. The Thunder will go deep into their bench with Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams.
Thunder-Timberwolves coaching matchup
It’s a players’ league, and they will determine the outcome with what they do or fail to do on the court. But coaches influence the outcome in multiple ways. Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault, the 2023-24 Coach of the Year, and Minnesota’s Chris Finch, who finished third for the award last season, are two of the best. Whether it’s finding an unusual rotation, designing a play to get a game-winning shot, going to a zone defense or using a coach’s challenge at the right time, their decisions will be scrutinized. Both have been fantastic over the past couple of seasons, and while they won’t have the same kind of say in who wins as the players, a great coach can steal a game with the right call at the right time.
