Lightning learns in real time what it takes to reach the next level. It’s an encouraging sign. But they need to be far better in the conference final against the Timberwolves.
Thunderbeat Nuggets face Timberwolves in Game 7
Shy Gilgauss Alexander and Thunder cruise past the Nuggets and are now facing the Timberwolves, the crown of the Western Conference.
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Maybe if Aaron Gordon wasn’t limited by hamstring tensions, the Denver Nuggets could have made it a closer game or even beat Oklahoma City’s lightning on Sunday.
perhaps. But we never know.
On the road in Game 7, Gordon was injured and not enough for the Nugget as he should have put him under 100% and had to stand by him.
The Thunder moved to the Western Conference Finals with a 125-93 victory over Denver. Denver is anti-climax game 7, which showed early promise but turned into thunderstorms in the second half to late quarter.
MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored lightning with efficient 35 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals in a 19-12 shooting, while Jalen Williams scored 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Thunder used size, depth, versatility, offensive and defensive power throughout the series, making attacks difficult for Denver MVP finalist Nikola Jokic.
This is an impressive series for Thunder, and they went a step further in the playoffs than last season. Oklahoma City closed Game 5 against Denver with a 3-2 series lead, and there was no doubt about Game 7. Thunder is learning in real time what it takes to reach the next level.
But they need to be far better in the conference finals against the Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards.
Both teams are relatively healthy, as the candidates are healthy at this point in the season, and the seeds are no longer important. Minnesota defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, who were third seeded in five games, dispatching five Golden State Warriors (though there’s no Steph Curry in the last four games), and now they get the Thunder.
Minnesota has a star in Edwards, Julius Randle has an outstanding postseason play, and while the Timberwolves may not be as deep and versatile as Oklahoma City, they still have strong benches and can go big and small.
It must be a competitive series.
However, Oklahoma City is preferred based on 68 regular season wins, No. 1 seed and home court advantage. The roster was assembled and designed for long-term success, including championship competition. The Thunder is approaching, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012 with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, making it three West Finals earlier this season.
After Durant departed in 2016 and Westbrook departed in 2019, the Thunder set out for another rebuild, and this season’s NBA Executive of the Year, executive vice president and general manager Sam Presty, used trades, free agency and drafts to create the roster. He’s as good as you get in the front office. He and his staff not only look to talent, but also have the knack for knowing the right combination of players.
As interests and pressure rise in each game, the Thunder can take the next step to himself and the rest of the league. That’s the storyline that lies in this series.
Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @jeffzillgitt
