The Oklahoma City Thunder, who topped the Western Conference with an impressive 68-14 record, will square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the sixth seed, in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. This matchup marks the first playoff encounter between these franchises since 1998, when the Thunder were still known as the Seattle SuperSonics.
During the regular season, the Thunder demonstrated extraordinary performance, becoming the seventh team in NBA history to achieve 68 wins and concluding with the second-best net rating of 12.8 in league history. They impressively swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, outscoring them by a staggering 78 points. However, they faced tougher challenges against the Denver Nuggets in the second round, requiring a decisive Game 7 to move forward. This was particularly notable because the Nuggets, a former champion, are led by Nikola Jokić, regarded as one of the finest players in the league. Despite the Thunder’s impressive young roster, consisting of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Jalen Williams, they showed moments of vulnerability against Denver.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the likely MVP, led the league with an average of 32.7 points, complemented by 6.4 assists and 5 rebounds per game. His performance has been pivotal, supported by Williams and the versatile Chet Holmgren, whose absence for part of the season due to injury has made his recent contributions vital to the Thunder’s rotation. The Thunder’s success can be attributed to their top-rated defense, which has proven effective in both the regular season and the playoffs.
On the other side, the Timberwolves have revamped their roster since last season, notably trading former No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Initially perceived as a potential setback, the team has developed into a powerhouse, finishing the regular season with a top-five offensive rating and carrying that momentum into the playoffs with strong performances against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Key to the Timberwolves’ success is the electric Anthony Edwards, who averaged 27.6 points during the regular season, alongside Randle, who has become a significant contributor in the postseason. With depth in their roster and contributions from players like Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves present a versatile and competitive threat.
In their regular-season meetings, the Thunder and Timberwolves split their series 2-2, with both teams experiencing gaps in their lineups due to injuries. Turning the ball over has been crucial; the Thunder capitalized on the Timberwolves’ mistakes to score significant points off turnovers in their victories.
As the series approaches, a critical matchup to watch will be how Anthony Edwards responds to Oklahoma City’s aggressive perimeter defense. His success or struggle against the Thunder’s swarming defense could significantly influence the series outcome.
The Thunder’s roster, particularly their starting five, has seen success during crunch time, while the Timberwolves have shifted to effective small-ball lineups. Analysts are predicting a competitive series, with the Thunder favored to win in six games, supported by their depth and historical performance throughout the season.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this exciting playoff matchup, which showcases the potential of both teams and could lead to memorable moments in NBA history.