Thunder Notes

Williams recorded eight points (3-3 FG, 2-2 3Pt) and three rebounds across 10 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Williams has been used sparingly in the postseason with five appearances for an average of 9.4 minutes, but the Thunder put this game away early, which allowed for some garbage-time run. When the games are close, Williams will struggle to find his way onto the court.

Wallace accumulated three points (1-3 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 victory over Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

If Game 1 was any indication, the Thunder could use a lot of small-ball lineups during this series to counter Minnesota. While Wallace took only three shots, his fingerprints were all over this win with some head-turning playmaking. He could potentially be more involved going forward, especially with Luguentz Dort struggling with his shot.

Dort recorded five points (2-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt), one rebound, one block and two steals in 28 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 victory over Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Dort has been terrific in the postseason so far on the defensive end, but he took a backseat on the offensive end again Tuesday. The Thunder put this game away early, and they had a balanced attack from their bench unit. Dort’s shot has eluded him in the postseason, as he’s shooting 33.7 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from beyond the arc through 12 games.

Caruso registered nine points (3-4 FG, 3-3 3Pt) and three rebounds across 22 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Caruso didn’t offer a lot in the victory, used somewhat sparingly as the Thunder walked away with a comfortable victory. After having scored double-digits in four straight games, Caruso turned in a relatively empty performance, failing to record a defensive stat. With that said, he will almost certainly be called upon to play a key role throughout the series, something he has done throughout the season. The two teams will lock horns again Thursday, with Oklahoma City looking to assert itself before heading to Minnesota.

Williams closed with 19 points (7-18 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and five steals in 33 minutes during Tuesday’s 114-88 win over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Williams delivered on both ends of the floor, scoring at least 15 points for the 10th time this postseason while matching his season-high with five steals. Despite trailing at halftime, the Thunder took complete control during the third quarter on the backs of Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder are now only three wins away from reaching the NBA Finals, with Game 2 scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City.