The Oklahoma City Thunder began the Western Conference Finals with a 114-88 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday evening.

The Thunder shot a blazing 61.9 percent from the field in the second half, including 61.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Meanwhile, the stunned Timberwolves made just 35 percent of their shots in the final 24 minutes, including a woeful 21.7 percent from beyond the arc.

The Pacers are the hottest team remaining in the playoff field and could surge to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, when they beat New York to reach the championship round. It is going to be absolute NBA cinema to watch Tyrese Haliburton battle Brunson late in big spots.

See our top photos from Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best team in the NBA all season long. That shouldn't stop in the Conference Finals

After a strong showing on defense throughout the regular season, Oklahoma City's defense has carried the team to two playoff series wins.

THE NOTRE DAME-USC FOOTBALL RIVALRY One of college football's iconic rivalries is at risk. The future of Notre Dame vs. USC-- which has been played in every non-pandemic season since 1946 -- is in question as the Trojans weigh a variety of factors.

Former Denver Nuggets NBA champion head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN's "NBA Countdown" for its coverage of the 2025 Western Conference Finals.