Western Conference Finals lead thanks to more lopsided turnover counts. The No. 1 seed tallied four fewer turnovers than Minnesota in the series opener and six fewer turnovers two nights later. This two-way trend requires primary playmakers who maintain good ball security and a disruptive defense.

While the Thunder absolutely earned their Game 4 win, the ending was once again devoid of drama. How does the NBA correct this?

Early in the first quarter of Game 5 of the West finals Wednesday, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle tried to run a pick-and-roll from the left wing. First, he got a screen from Mike Conley,

Minnesota Game Preview Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | MVP Shai's Thunder look to build their NBA Finals run.

After lopsided losses in Games 1 and 2, the Timberwolves got on the board with an out-of-nowhere 143-101 demolition of the Thunder. The 42-point margin was OKC's worst loss of the season, and the 143 points scored set a playoff franchise record for Minnesota..

The Thunder should be here a long time with its talented youth and deep draft capital. And what's next for the Wolves?

Chet Holmgren's fourth-quarter slam over Julius Randle, with Jaden McDaniels at his back, was amnesia for any adjustment Holmgren needed.

The Thunder's lone loss against an Eastern Conference team came to the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 129-122 on the road in January. Just over a week later, OKC bounced back, trouncing the Cavs by 20 points in a dominant showing, ending the season with a +13 point differential against the best team in the Eastern Conference.