OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points a day after being named the NBA’s MVP, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed the Minnesota Timberwolves again, winning 118-103 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

The Thunder shot a blazing 61.9 percent from the field in the second half, including 61.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Meanwhile, the stunned Timberwolves made just 35 percent of their shots in the final 24 minutes, including a woeful 21.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Edmonton won this same conference final matchup last year, beating Dallas in six games. The two will meet again this season, with Game 1 on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves will start the Western Conference Finals with Game 1 on Tuesday. Only four teams remain in the 2025 NBA playoffs to determine a champion.

The Dallas Stars began these NHL playoffs without standout defenseman Miro Heiskanen and top goal scorer Jason Robertson, and still made it to their third consecutive Western Conference final.

Naz Reid’s versatility, Lou Dort’s defense, and Julius Randle’s mismatch potential could shape the West Finals.

The top track and field athletes from the lakeshore competed in the West Michigan All-Star track meet with a chance to qualify for the state finals on May 31.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, Jalen Williams added 24 and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled into the Western Conference finals, beating the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in Game 7.