By Cliff Burnt
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 of his 31 factors within the second half, and the top-seeded Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 on Tuesday evening in Recreation 1 of the Western Convention finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP finalist, had 9 assists. He made 8 of 14 discipline targets after halftime.
Julius Randle scored 28 factors for Minnesota, however simply eight within the second half. Anthony Edwards, who had been averaging 26.5 factors per sport within the playoffs, was held to 18 factors on 5-of-13 taking pictures.
Oklahoma Metropolis was simply two days faraway from eliminating Denver in Recreation 7 of the convention semifinals. Minnesota hadn’t performed since Could 14.
Recreation 2 is Thursday in Oklahoma Metropolis.
Minnesota led 48-44 at halftime as Randle scored 20 factors and made 5 of 6 3-pointers. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 11 factors on 2-of-13 taking pictures earlier than the break.
The Thunder went on a 10-0 run within the third quarter to take a 66-60 lead. A short while later, Kenrich Williams, a rarely-used sub this postseason, hit a midrange jumper and a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions to place the Thunder up 71-62. Oklahoma Metropolis outscored Minnesota 32-18 within the third quarter to take a 76-66 benefit into the fourth.
A spinning dunk by Holmgren in site visitors put Oklahoma Metropolis forward 86-75 and drew a roar from the group. Gilgeous-Alexander threw up a prayer as he was being fouled whereas falling to the ground. The ball rolled in, and he made the free throw to make it 91-77 with seven minutes remaining.
