The Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves by the final score of 118-103 in Game 2 on Thursday.

Alexander accepted the NBA MVP award on Thursday, then looked like one in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder star posted 38 points and eight assists in a 118-103 win to take a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves,

While the Thunder are preparing for Game 2 on Thursday night, their star forward Jalen Williams received positive news on Thursday afternoon. The NBA announced that Williams has been named to the 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

Oklahoma City set the tone for the Western Conference Finals with a 114-88 plundering of the Timberwolves in Game 1. Things weren't quite as easy in Game 2, but the Thunder still beat Minnesota 118-103 behind 38 points from newly-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

After a strong showing on defense throughout the regular season, Oklahoma City's defense has carried the team to two playoff series wins.

The quest for an NBA championship is down to just four teams, with the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves squaring off in the Western Conference finals starting Tuesday at 5:30 PM PT, while the No. 3 New York Knicks and No. 4 Indiana Pacers get underway on Wednesday in the Eastern Conference finals.

THE NOTRE DAME-USC FOOTBALL RIVALRY One of college football's iconic rivalries is at risk. The future of Notre Dame vs. USC-- which has been played in every non-pandemic season since 1946 -- is in question as the Trojans weigh a variety of factors.

Former Denver Nuggets NBA champion head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN's "NBA Countdown" for its coverage of the 2025 Western Conference Finals.