Magic Johnson issues apology to Thunder after NBA Finals berth

Matthew Wadleigh

Magic Johnson issues apology to Thunder after NBA Finals berth  image

The Oklahoma City Thunder have defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure a berth in the NBA Finals.

The Thunder had no issues in Game 5, either, with a 194-94 victory. NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 points with seven rebounds in another well-balanced effort. 

After the game, NBA legend Magic Johnson took to X and apologized to the Thunder. 

"I want to apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder for underestimating them and not thinking they were ready to compete for a Championship."

Johnson also congratulated SGA, Mark Daigneault and the entire Thunder squad. 

"I want to congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault as well as NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the OKC team on advancing to the NBA Finals!" 

Johnson was one of many who didn't think the Thunder could make the NBA Finals, although they finished as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. 

Now, the Thunder have knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets (in seven games) and the Timberwolves to go to the NBA Finals and face the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. 

MORE: Thunder/Pacers 2025 NBA Finals potential matchup: Fueled by two Paul George trades?

Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.