From Bottom to Brilliance: Thunder Storm into NBA Finals, Erase Rebuild Era with Dominant Win Over Timberwolves
The Oklahoma City Thunder have completed a remarkable turnaround, clinching a spot in the NBA Finals after eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Just three seasons ago, the Thunder were a rebuilding squad that finished 14th in the West with only 24 wins in the 2021–22 season. That year’s starting five — often shared online as a symbol of the team’s rebuild — became a meme among fans and analysts. But now, with OKC on the brink of a title, former Thunder guard Isaiah Roby is calling for fans to retire that old graphic, signifying that the Thunder have officially moved past their rebuilding phase.
“One more series to go” – SGA locked in
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the face of the franchise and MVP candidate, emphasized after the win that the team isn’t satisfied yet:
“One more series to go.”
His leadership was on full display in Wednesday’s game, where the Thunder jumped out to an early 26–9 lead in the first quarter, showcasing both elite defense and fluid, high-efficiency offense. Coach Mark Daigneault’s system was firing on all cylinders, with contributions across the board from OKC’s young core.
What’s Next:
The Thunder now await the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference Finals series.
- Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 5.
From a team mocked for its youth and inexperience, to legitimate championship contenders — the Thunder’s journey has been one of patience, smart development, and belief in their young stars.
