OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a decisive victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 118-103 on May 22, and taking a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive performance, scoring 38 points just one day after being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 21 field goal attempts and converted 13 of 15 free throws, receiving his MVP trophy from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver prior to the game.

"I feel like all my emotions were so high, but I was a little bit tired out there, especially at the start," said Gilgeous-Alexander.

"I was a little too juiced up.

Special moment.

I’m happy we won so I can really enjoy the last couple days and soak it up.

That really helps."

Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren recorded 22 points.

Earlier that day, Lu Dort was named to the first-team All-Defensive unit, and Williams received a second-team All-Defensive selection, underscoring the Thunder's strong defensive performance that limited Minnesota to 41.4% shooting from the field.

Anthony Edwards was the standout for Minnesota, scoring 32 points but requiring 26 attempts to reach that total.

Jaden McDaniels added 22 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 17 points for the Timberwolves, who will be looking to rebound in their upcoming home games.

As the game progressed, Gilgeous-Alexander became pivotal, hitting a crucial 3-pointer with just 16 seconds left in the first half and adding free throws to help the Thunder secure a lead of 58-50 at halftime, with 19 points scored before the break.

Minnesota head coach Chris Finch noted, "We didn’t close the half very well.

I thought if we close the half better then we don’t put ourselves on such a razor edge in the third."

In the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the basket, making a contested shot while drawing a foul, which he converted into a three-point play to extend the Thunder's lead to 73-64. This followed a fast break lob assist from Cason Wallace to Holmgren for a powerful dunk, increasing Oklahoma City’s lead to 82-65 late in the third quarter.

Entering the fourth quarter with a significant lead of 93-71, the Thunder faced a late push from the Timberwolves, who managed to reduce the deficit to 10 points.

Nevertheless, the Thunder maintained control and kept Minnesota at bay, setting the stage for Game 3, which will take place on Saturday in Minneapolis.

Coaching staff and players from the Timberwolves expressed optimism regarding their home advantage, where they have an overall playoff record of 4-1 this season.

Finch emphasized, "Every minute in a series is a chance to find something.

So we’re going to go back home.

This is a good team at home.

So we’re going to go home and fight for Game 3. Heads up, look at the tape and get ready for Game 3."