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- What: NBA Western Conference Finals Game 2
- When: May 22, 2025
- Who: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. OKC Thunder
- Time: 8:30 p.m. EST
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
On Thursday, May 22nd, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at the Paycom Center.
The Thunder took control in the second half of Game 1, finishing with a score of 114-88 and comfortably exceeding the 7.5-point spread as the favorites.
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Minnesota’s loss in Game 1 was not solely due to officiating. Careless ball handling and poor shot selection were key factors.
Game Preview (Timberwolves vs. Thunder)
The Thunder are historically strong defensively and excel at capitalizing on turnovers, averaging 18.3 turnovers forced per game in the playoffs.
In Game 1, the Timberwolves turned the ball over 19 times, resulting in 31 points for Oklahoma City.
| Spread |  |  |  |
| Minnesota Timberwolves +7.5 Points | -113 | -115 | -110 |
| OKC Thunder -7.5 Points | -107 | -105 | -110 |
To improve in Game 2, the Timberwolves must focus on ball security and make smarter offensive decisions. They had a solid first half but let key turnovers affect their momentum.
Minnesota also needs to be more aggressive in attacking the basket, as the Thunder invite teams to shoot threes, which didn’t work well for the Wolves in Game 1.
WE GO AGAIN TOMORROW. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ob6sTlqva8
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 22, 2025
Coach Finch should consider Gobert’s presence in the lineup; he provided valuable rim protection despite offensive limitations.
If Minnesota can clean up its mistakes and improve its shooting, especially from three, there’s no reason it can’t compete effectively in Game 2.
With adjustments, the Timberwolves have a good chance of bouncing back. Take the T’wolves to cover the 7.5-point spread in Game 2.
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Total Points
When a team’s best player only attacks the rim once in a game, expectations for a positive outcome are understandably low.
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 214.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 214.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
That was the case for the Timberwolves in Game 1, where Anthony Edwards attempted just one layup or dunk, instead relying on jump shots.
The team took an excessive 51 three-point attempts but only made 15.
Significant changes are necessary for Game 2, especially since Julius Randle was the lone standout with 28 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
Turnovers also plagued the Timberwolves as they committed 17, compared to just 12 for the Thunder.
Speaking of the Thunder, they’ll be pleased with their Game 1 victory; historically, 16 of the last 17 Western Conference teams that won the first game at home have advanced to the NBA Finals.
While their first-half performance left much to be desired, their defense stepped up when it counted, clogging the paint and forcing the Timberwolves into tough outside shots.
How we feeling this morning ⁉️ pic.twitter.com/oxMf7186aV
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 21, 2025
Oklahoma City’s offense surged in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 70-40.
Head coach Mark Daigneault won’t need to alter the game plan significantly for Game 2 since the Thunder seemed to have an answer for everything the Wolves presented.
I anticipate a different approach from Minnesota this time around; they were too passive after starting the game with an 8-0 lead.
It would be foolish for them to rely on 51 three-point attempts again after such a lackluster performance.
The point total for Game 2 has dropped by six compared to Game 1, and with a revamped Timberwolves offense, I expect a more productive game.
The over has hit in 11 of the last 16 matchups in Oklahoma City, and I expect that trend to continue.
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