The Thunder turned a competitive game through three and a half quarters into a laugher down the stretch, pulling ahead on the strength of--you guessed it--Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's steady scoring (31 pts, 9 ast, 5 rbs, 3 stl) and stifling team defense. SGA overcame a slow start from the floor (2-13 first half FGA) by getting to the line (7-9 first half free throws, 11-14 overall) and, just as importantly, playing his role in OKC's defense. After enduring a hot start from Julius Randle (20 first half, raining-threes points) and the Wolves, OKC chewed away at Minnesota's 48-44 halftime lead possession-by-possession until it had become a 10+ points Thunder edge.
Thunder stomp Wolves 114-88 in Western Conference Finals opener
