In-depth analysis: Three reasons why the Timberwolves will beat the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals

The Timberwolves entered the Western Conference Finals with an unprotected attitude, with the Thunder, but they still have the potential to win.

Minnesota Timberwolves return to the Western Conference Finals. And, their return to the Western Conference Finals is no easy task. During the offseason, they experienced drastic changes in their lineup and eventually entered the playoffs as the sixth in the West.

The Minnesota Timberwolves first sent the Los Angeles Lakers led by LeBron James and Luca Doncic back to home court, and then faced the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors were absent for most of the series due to a Stephen Curry hamstring injury.

However, they will be a difficult task to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder entered the playoffs as the top seed in the West and ended with an excellent record of 68 wins and 14 losses. The Oklahoma City Thunder also entered the Western Conference Finals with good morale after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies and eliminating the Denver Nuggets in seven games.

From paper, the matchup between the Thunder and the Timberwolves is good for the former. However, if the star players on both sides work together, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have a chance to win the upset.

Anthony Edwards is at its peak

Without Anthony Edwards' outstanding performance, the Timberwolves would not have been where they are today. In the playoffs, Edwards averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 44.5%. It can be said that he has consolidated his position as the Minnesota Timberwolves' well-deserved superstar.

But more importantly, the three-time All-Star seems to be constantly defeating household stars in the playoffs. Last year, Edwards eliminated future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. This year, he sent James and Doncic away again. As Shea Gilgers-Alexander meets him in the Western Conference Finals, Edwards may have another one on the roster of MVP candidates.

The showdown between the two young stars will be what NBA fans are looking forward to. The showdown will bring together two of the most dazzling stars in the league who may be able to dominate the league in the next few years. Fortunately, both stars are at their peak. But if the Minnesota Timberwolves want a chance to beat the West's top seed, Edwards needs to play a series of iconic performances to get tickets to the NBA Finals.

How the Thunder will limit Edwards is certainly worth noting, but the Timberwolves can also find solace in the fact that he has been well adapted to all the pressure the Lakers and Warriors put on him. It is safe to say that if Edwards is in good shape, the Thunder will face a huge challenge.

Julius Randle has adapted to the Timberwolves

When it comes to the Thunder's troubles, Edwards is not the only one to bear the offensive burden. In the offseason, he traded Carl Anthony Towns for Julius Randle, which made him questioned for a while. Now, he has played the best time in his career for the Timberwolves, proving that doubters are wrong. To Minnesota fans a sigh of relief, his playoff appearance was just right.

The former NBA's fastest-progress player averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists in the playoffs. In stark contrast to his poor playoff history, Randall made great strides with the Timberwolves this time. He is no longer just a scorer, but has grown into a skilled player who plays an important role in many aspects.

Randle's transformation made the Minnesota Timberwolves' eyes shine. They found a way to return to the Western Conference Finals after losing their team's star. Randall's comprehensiveness has injected a heart-warming agent into the Timberwolves so far, as both the Lakers and Golden State Warriors are helpless on his influence. So, it is safe to say that his arrival will be another serious test of the Thunder's suffocating defense.

The Timberwolves have more experience in this level of games

If the Timberwolves have another advantage, it is that they have rich experience in this level of games. As the saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher.” The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. With the number of playoff games growing, this united team shouldn't be bothered by the upcoming challenges, as they look eager to eventually make it to the NBA Finals.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves encountered difficulties against the Dallas Mavericks led by Doncic and were eliminated in five games. This year, the Timberwolves will face a very different team—a team made up of Gilgers Alexander and the Thunder, a team that has never played such a high level in the playoffs. While the Oklahoma City Thunder remains a very threatening team, it is predictable that an experienced veteran lineup will do its best to tap the potential of young players.

Apart from Alex Caruso, the Thunder have no other veteran who has proved themselves at the peak of the playoffs. Once in a period of winning first, inexperience and lack of calmness appear, it may eventually cause harm to Oklahoma City. Although the Thunder have performed well in the playoffs so far, their real test as a playoff team is the Timberwolves.