OKC Thunder make NBA Finals for first time since 2012 after walloping Timberwolves

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now four wins away from their first title since moving out of Seattle.

The Thunder are the kings of the Western Conference after manhandling the Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-94, in Game 5 of the conference finals on Wednesday night.

It's the first time the Thunder are in the NBA Finals since 2012 – that big three of a young Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden lost to the superteam that was the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) points during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City.  (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

Times got dark in recent years, though – Durant left after the 2015-16 season following the Thunder blowing a 3-1 lead to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in that season's conference finals. After the Warriors returned the favor to James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant headed west to the Bay Area and won two titles.

While that happened, it prompted a rebuild that took the team near the bottom of the league's standings just four years ago.

MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, while Chet Holmgren added 22. Jalen Williams added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.  (Alonzo