The Thunder were the best team in the NBA all season for a reason. They harass you physically on both ends of the floor, with relentless defensive ball pressure and a constant attacking of the rim on offense.

Signs of frustration have been evident for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals against an Oklahoma City Thunder team chasing its first title with a mix of poise, precision and relentlessness unseen anywhere else in these NBA playoffs.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star posted 38 points and eight assists in a 118-103 win to take a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who now have the unenviable task of needing to take four out of five from the league's top team by record to reach the NBA Finals.

The Timberwolves prepare for a challenging playoff series, set to face Oklahoma City's deep, formidable defense. Can they find a way to take Game One?

Stephen A. Smith says Julius Randle is key to the Timberwolves’ success as they prepare to face the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City's defense clamps down, Anthony Edwards can't answer and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perseveres at the foul line in Game 1 of the West Finals.

The only upside is that the Thunder stayed home after their Game 7 win. They'll host three consecutive playoff games and spend most of the week in their beds. Alex Caruso has been a defensive monster for the title contender all playoffs. Like a baseball closer who gets hot in October, he's been a game-changer after a pedestrian regular season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves might not be the favorites in this series, but it'd be a mistake to count Anthony Edwards and company out.