Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals in two consecutive seasons, the Minnesota Timberwolves are at somewhat of a crossroads heading into the

Anthony Edwards had 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists in just three quarters to lead the re-energized Minnesota Timberwolves in a 143-101 victory over Oklahoma City in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder punched their NBA Finals ticket for the first time since 2012 in true Thunder fashion: They suffocated the Timberwolves' offense to the point that Minnesota -- a deserving conference finals team -- looked completely inept.

Every time the Minnesota Timberwolves made it close, the Oklahoma City Thunder had an answer.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a steely performance befitting the NBA MVP and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped back from a 42-point loss by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.