Don t dare to underestimate the enemy, the Thunder coach issued a subtle Timberwolves warning to the Thunder while leading 2-0

After winning the second game on Thursday, Thunder head coach Mark Dignot reminded his players of the trend of the next two games.

Oklahoma City Thunder continues to maintain confidence against the Minnesota Timberwolves, using their defensive toughness and offensive efficiency to beat their opponents in the 2025 Western Conference Finals.

MVP Shea Gilgers-Alexander scored 38 points and 8 assists, Jaylen Williams and Chet Homgren joined forces to form a strong second-tier offensive combination, and the team limited the opponent's shooting percentage to below 42%, and finally won the second game with a score of 118-103. The Thunders achieved a decisive victory in the turnover battle (14-8 on Thursday) and continued to be strong in the offensive and defensive transition. In short, the top seed team is regaining dominance after a tense series against the Denver Nuggets in the last round of the playoffs.

The Thunder led the Timberwolves 2-0, which made them feel unstoppable. However, as head coach Mark Dignot cautiously points out, the situation in this Western Conference Finals could change dramatically once the game moves to a target center full of desires.

According to Brandon Rabar of the Daily Thunder, Dagnott said at a post-match press conference: "We have to be prepared to get them back to home and take it to the next level." The 2024 NBA coach of the year is actually saying that the Oklahoma City Thunder just did what they should do in Game 1 and Game 2. The young team will face great pressure on Saturday night to step on the Timberwolves’ neck.

The Thunder must be prepared to deal with the Timberwolves in the third game.

Thunder knew Julius Randle was unlikely to struggle like Thursday - 6 points on 2 of 11 shots, four turnovers, and sat on the bench throughout the fourth quarter. Experienced point guard Mike Conley II is a potential key figure in his own right. Head coach Chris Finch and his teammates also have a chance to find a more effective way to defend the low-post paint area, another prominent issue in this series. Of course, we have to focus on this Minnesota superstar.

Anthony Edwards scored 32 points and shot as high as 46.2%, but made only 1 of 9 three-pointers. In the third game, which is bound to be won, he should be very motivated to play a real master game. Mark Dagnott praised his calmness earlier this week and will work to develop a plan that breaks this calmness at its core. However, even if Edwards is in a hot state, the Thunder can survive with its balanced basketball style.

They have been acting like the NBA's best team for most of the regular season, and after some setbacks against the Nuggets, they seem to be regaining the title late in the playoffs. However, as Daigno said, the Timberwolves will fight back. How Oklahoma City deals with this expected outbreak should reflect the greatness of this team.