The Minnesota Timberwolves were hit with a harsh reality check in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, and Julius Randle’s struggles were front and center. With their season on the line, the Wolves came out flat, scoring just nine first-quarter points — their lowest-scoring quarter of the season — as the Oklahoma City Thunder ran wild on both ends of the floor.
Randle, who had been a major playoff contributor, looked out of rhythm and overwhelmed. He managed only three points in the first quarter, while the rest of the Timberwolves, not named Anthony Edwards, were completely shut down. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasted no time proving why he’s the league MVP, putting up 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds in the opening half as OKC stormed to a 30-point lead late in the second quarter.
Chet Holmgren added flair with his early dunks, while Jalen Williams and the Thunder’s defense smothered any offensive attempts Minnesota tried to string together. Coach Chris Finch’s frustration boiled over with a technical foul, trying to spark some fire in his team, but to no avail.
Mike Conley told ESPN, “It’s all heart right now,” but heart alone can’t win playoff games when the execution is this poor. Unless Randle and the Wolves find a miracle gear, this Game 5 might just be the end of Minnesota’s Cinderella run — and the Thunder are minutes away from punching their first Finals ticket since 2012.
(This is a building story…)
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