And they extended that lead as the night wore on, with a 24-point contribution from Jalen Williams, to the delight of the home crowd.
With the Indiana Pacers playing the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, there could be a new name on the NBA trophy for the first time in at least 52 years.
The Knicks were last champions in 1973, while Oklahoma, Indiana and Minnesota have never won.
The Conference finals begin on Wednesday, 21 May, with the Thunder hosting the Timberwolves (02:30 BST).
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