MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Still Hasn’t Achieved His Main Goal for the Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), middle, celebrates with teammates after Game 5 of the Western Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Oklahoma City on May 28, 2025. Nate Billings/AP Photo

OKLAHOMA CITY—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved his short-term goals on Wednesday night and positioned himself to achieve his long-term one.

He had 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124–94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals for a 4–1 series win and a spot in the NBA Finals.