After a dominating second half in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding lead in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday with newly named Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous Alexander at the help.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder play Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in the NBA Playoffs Thursday at Paycom Center.

This is why the Thunder craved Caruso — for his championship experience and obviously for his dogged defensive mentality. He’s now the first guard off the bench in most situations, and his value soared in the semifinals when he was asked to help check Nikola Jokić, of all people.

Newly minted MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field. That made him the first player in franchise history with five straight 30-point games in the playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the 2025 NBA MVP. Here are the financial implications for his next contract.