The OKC Thunder is hoping for a Game 7 in the Spurs-Timberwolves series to extend the playoffs. Game 6 is set for 8:30 p.m. Friday in Minneapolis, with the Timberwolves trailing 3-2.
Key points
OKC Thunder hopes for a Game 7 in the Spurs-Timberwolves series
Game 6 is at 8:30 p.m. Friday in Minneapolis
Timberwolves trail the series 3-2
Thunder is resting while the teams compete
OKC ThunderSan Antonio SpursMinnesota Timberwolves
How would OKC Thunder match up vs Spurs, Timberwolves in West finals?
The Thunder wants one thing out of this Spurs-Timberwolves series: more basketball.
Game 6 will tip off at 8:30 p.m. Friday in Minneapolis. The Wolves, trailing 3-2 in the series, can force a Game 7 with a win.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives with the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: A detailed view of Los Angeles Lakers themed T-shirts prior to Game Four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up prior to Game Four against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to Game Four against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for a tip off during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives with the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: A detailed view of Los Angeles Lakers themed T-shirts prior to Game Four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers warm up against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up prior to Game Four against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to Game Four against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The answer would be Wembanyama even if Edwards was healthy, but itād be kind of close. But Edwards is not healthy. And itās not close.
The Ant-Manās athleticism has been zapped. Heās fresh off a scary hyperextension of his left knee, and heās dealing with runnerās knee in his right.
Edwards can still take over in spurts, like weāve seen against the Spurs, but not for a full game. Much less a full series.
I donāt know if Wembanyama can handle the physical toll of a series against OKC, but heās in a better spot than Edwards right now. And his best is better than Edwardsā best.
Tougher test: Spurs
Offense: Wolves sputtering, Spurs surging
Injuries have of course played a factor, but the Wolves offense has been bad in the playoffs (107.7 points per 100 possessions). For context, thatās a worse offensive rating than the Suns had in Round 1 against the Thunder.
The Wolvesā playoff offense has been worse than the Brooklyn Netsā 30th-ranked regular-season offense (108.8 points per 100 possessions).
Minnesota had an average offense even in the regular season, ranking 13th. The Spurs ranked third.
San Antonio has had the third-best offense in the playoffs behind the Thunder and Knicks.
San Antonio is allowing 102 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. OKCās No. 1 ranked regular-season defense allowed 106.5 points per 100 possessions.
The Spursā defense ranked third and the Timberwolvesā eighth in the regular season.
Victor Wembanyama is the best defensive player in the world, but Rudy Gobert remains elite on that end of the floor.
While San Antonio has a better all-around defense, I think Minnesota wing Jaden McDaniels could give SGA more trouble than any Spurs defender.
Tougher test: Spurs
Revenge factor: Thunder-Wolves Part 2?
Thereās no revenge to be had for the Spurs.
They dominated the season series with the Thunder 4-1. Now, you can throw away a couple of those games based on who played and who didnāt, but the Spurs beat the Thunder in the two regular-season games that mattered most.
In the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas, and on Christmas Day in OKC. Both of those games had real stakes. The Thunder had a chance to shut the Spurs up on Christmas, but the noise only got louder.
If revenge is a factor, itāll be on the Thunderās side.
Conversely, it could motivate Minnesota. The Timberwolves played the Thunder tight in the regular season (2-2), but OKC trounced Minnesota in last yearās Western Conference finals. In the Thunderās four wins in that five-game series, its average margin of victory was 18.3 points.
Tougher test: Timberwolves
Narrative: Wembyās rise vs. Wolvesā resolve
Due respect to āThunder-Wolves, The Rematch,ā but I donāt think anyone is clamoring to see a replay of last yearās Western Conference finals.
Thunder vs. Spurs, however, could be epic. The de facto NBA Finals (sorry, Knicks, you guys really are playing great).
Despite it being a matchup between two small markets (thatās the case either way), the league would have no problem selling an OKC-San Antonio series.
In Game 5 against the Spurs, the Wolves started Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu in the backcourt, Jaden McDaniels on the wing and Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert in the front court.
Edwards is better than either Fox or Castle. Both Fox and Castle are better than Dosunmu. The McDaniels/Randle duo is better than Vassell/Champagnie. The Spursā Frenchman is better than the Timberwolvesā.
Iāll give the nod to whichever lineup has Wembanyama.
Spurs wing Keldon Johnson was named Sixth Man of the Year āĀ an award Timberwolves center Naz Reid won in 2024 and finished fourth for this season.
Letās not just compare these two players, but the benches as a whole.
Donte DiVincenzo was a starter for the Wolves, but his devastating Achilles injury was a huge blow to Minnesotaās overall depth. His absence has led to more minutes for Mike Conley and Terrence Shannon Jr. āĀ a 38-year-old and a second-year player.
Ayo Dosunmu started in Games 3 and 4 against the Spurs. Reid comes off the bench, but he gets a starterās diet of minutes.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has gone away from Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark. I could see the Wolves going back to Clark, an excellent defensive guard, in a series against the Thunder.
Johnson won Sixth Man of the Year, but heās not even the best bench player on his own team. Thatās the rookie Harper, whoās averaging 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the Wolves series.
Tougher test: Spurs
Experience: Can Spurs be exception?
The Spurs havenāt been here. Teams donāt go from out of the playoffs one year to on top of the world the next. Even the Thunder had to fail ā¦ once.
Harrison Barnes has the most playoff experience on the Spurs, and heās been relegated out of the rotation. Of the Spursā starters, DeāAaron Fox is the only among them with any playoff scars. And Fox played in all of one series with the Kings.
Here are the Wolvesā starters by playoff games: Rudy Gobert (95), Anthony Edwards (51), Jaden McDaniels (48), Julius Randle (41), Ayo Dosunmu (14). Mike Conley has played in 119 playoff games.
The playoffs are a different game, and the Spurs are still learning the rules.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves brings the ball down the floor during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball while being defended by Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reaches for the ball in front of Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts to drive past Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a shot in front of Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball while being defended by Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a shot in front of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reaches to save the ball from going out of bounds on a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Chet Holmgren (7) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves brings the ball down the floor during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves brings the ball down the floor during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball while being defended by Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reaches for the ball in front of Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts to drive past Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a shot in front of Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball while being defended by Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a shot in front of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on March 15, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes up for a basket beside Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reaches to save the ball from going out of bounds on a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Chet Holmgren (7) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Thunder vs Timberwolves, see top photos of SGA and Anthony Edwards
Mar 15, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (8) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Coaching: Chris Finch vs. Mitch Johnson
Almost every opposing coach complains about the whistles the Thunder gets, but no one does it like Chris Finch. Heās whiner No. 1.
The guy can coach, though. And trying to influence officials via his press conferences is as strategic as his game plans.
San Antonioās Mitch Johnson has established himself as a good coach in his own right āĀ one of three Coach of the Year finalists. But Finch has been there, done that. Heās a couple wins away from leading the Timberwolves to their third straight conference finals.
Finch has the on-court experience and off-court savviness to frustrate the Thunder.
Tougher test: Timberwolves
Environment: Target Center vs. Frost Bank Center
The Timberwolves have a really good home crowd, but Spurs fans have been on another level this postseason. Granted, Iām judging from TV, which can be deceiving.
The fiesta-striped arena to match the Spursā city edition uniforms is totally awesome.
For as much success as the Spurs have historically had āĀ especially compared to the Wolves āĀ this is the Spursā first postseason in seven years. Minnesota fans have seen gobs of playoff games in the last few years.
If itās OKC vs. San Antonio, youāll also see more visiting fans traveling back and forth.