After a Game 3 beatdown, Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City withstood the Timberwolves punches to grab a 3-1 series lead.

The Thunder and Timberwolves have tipped off in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. Follow along to catch all the highlights, analysis and more.

The Oklahoma City Thunder punched their NBA Finals ticket for the first time since 2012 in true Thunder fashion: They suffocated the Timberwolves' offense to the point that Minnesota -- a deserving conference finals team -- looked completely inept.

Star power, defense, depth -- everything comes together for the Thunder in their emphatic close-out win vs. the Wolves.

The Thunder return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference finals MVP.

Being a husband and father has revealed what "matters in life" to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But team is also family, and his love was evident in propelling the Thunder to the NBA Finals.

Paul Pierce doubles down on his bold take after Game 4, saying the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially ended the title race with their dominant playoff performance.

This is why the Thunder craved Caruso — for his championship experience and obviously for his dogged defensive mentality. He’s now the first guard off the bench in most situations, and his value soared in the semifinals when he was asked to help check Nikola Jokić, of all people.