THE Oklahoma Thunder started slow but finished strong, pumelling the Denver Nuggets, 125-93, in Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinals on Monday (Philippine time), May 19.

The Thunder trailed at the end of the first quarter, 26-21, but dominated the Nuggets in the middle periods, 76-46, to seize full control and seal their first trip to the West Finals since 2016.

The top-seeded Thunder will play the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the West Finals, which will start on Wednesday, May 21, in Oklahoma.

Facing in the East Conference Finals are the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks will host Game 1 of the best-of-seven series on Thursday, May 22.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed the way for the Thunder by firing 35 points. Jalen Williams added 24 markers while Chet Holmgren pitched in 13 markers and 11 rebounds.

Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein also scored in double figures for Oklahoma with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Nikola Jokic had 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Nuggets, who also got 13 points from Jamal Murray.

Aaron Gordon suited up for the Nuggets despite nursing a hamstring injury and came away with eight points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.(CCM)

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• #Denver Nuggets
• #Western Conference
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• #Shai Gilgeous-Alexander