Thunder storm home in Western Conference finals opener

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Thunder storm home in Western Conference finals opener

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half, and top-seeded Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander, an NBA MVP finalist, had nine assists. He made 8 of 14 field goals after halftime on Tuesday night.

Julius Randle scored 28 points for the Timberwolves, but just eight in the second half. Anthony Edwards, who had been averaging 26.5 points per game in the playoffs, was held to 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

The Thunder were just two days removed from eliminating Denver in Game 7 of the conference semis. Minnesota hadn’t played since May 14.

Game 2 is on Thursday in Oklahoma City.

The Timberwolves led 48-44 at halftime as Randle scored 20 points and made 5 of 6 three-pointers. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting before the break.

OKC went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter to take a 66-60 lead. A short time later, Kenrich Williams, a rarely-used sub this post-season, hit a midrange jumper and a three on consecutive possessions to put the Thunder up 71-62. Oklahoma City outscored Minnesota 32-18 in the third quarter to take a 76-66 advantage into the fourth.

A spinning dunk by Holmgren in traffic put Oklahoma City ahead 86-75 and drew a roar from the home crowd. Gilgeous-Alexander threw up a prayer as he was being fouled while falling to the floor. The ball rolled in, and he made the free throw to make it 91-77 with seven minutes remaining.

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