Anthony Edwards’ quote captures Thunder’s synchronized defense that smothered Minnesota and pushed OKC to the NBA Finals.

Against Jokić, the Thunder threw several looks his way and kept him guessing. They used size with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. They used smarts with Caruso, who was 100 pounds lighter and six inches shorter. They forced him to pass, they attacked his dribble.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks series beginning June 5.

For all the strides the Minnesota Timberwolves have made since they drafted Anthony Edwards first overall five years ago, a once-woebegone franchise now playing deep into the playoffs as a habit and not a hiccup,