After a series filled with ups, downs, and historic performances, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially become the Western Conference Champions, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 in a pivotal Game 5 at the Paycom Center.

The Thunder threw more at the T-Wolves than they could handle, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned in another MVP-caliber performance, and in the end, Mark Daigneault was given his flowers for a job well done.

After the final results were tallied, Daigneault was asked what it meant to take his Thunder to the NBA finals, with the head coach noting that he's incredibly proud of his players… at least until they started throwing towels at him Nick Gallo style, as noted by Dailey Thunder's Brandon Rahbar.

“These guys are uncommon. They do everything right,” Daigneault declared. “They're high character… they're idiots.”

Article Continues Below
Related Oklahoma City Thunder News
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) walks down the court during a time out during the first half at Paycom Center.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘foul merchant allegations’ draw Paul George reactionRichard Pereira ·
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Magic Johnson West Conference Finals MVP trophy after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center with Paul Pierce in the background
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws bold claim from Paul PierceJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Magic Johnson West Conference Finals MVP trophy after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fires Thunder fans up with ‘four more’ IG postRichard Pereira ·
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) makes a pass against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the second half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center
Thunder’s Chet Holmgren indirectly fires back at Anthony Edwards after WCF winJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Colin Cowherd shades Jayson Tatum with ‘alpha’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takeMalik Brown ·
Oklahoma City Thunder chairman Clay Bennett celebrates after his team beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
2022 Thunder player makes viral ‘retire’ request after NBA Finals clinchingJackson Stone ·

Now granted, did Daigneault really think he would get his team to the NBA Finals without being awarded with a few towels and a backward cap for his troubles? To this Thunder team, that's the highest compliment a coach, player, or broadcaster can receive.

With the Western Conference locked up, the Thunder now have to wait and see who will join them in the NBA Finals, as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are still duking it out in the Eastern Conference Finals. If the Pacers secure the win in Game 5, then all that will be left to do for the NBA to schedule how the series will shake out, but if the Knicks fight back, taking the game to six or even seven, the Thunder may once again get to take an extended break as they recoup and reload for their first finals trip since 2012.

After taking care of the Memphis Grizzlies in four games back in April, the Thunder lost Game 1 to the Denver Nuggets 121-119. If they get an extended break before the NBA Finals, they may again have to fight off the rust to ensure they bring back the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy for the first time in franchise history