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 Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, led by Anthony Edwards . Edwards led Minnesota to a first round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and a second round victory over the Golden State Warriors .

Alexander's first NBA MVP trophy gave him an overflow of energy when he returned to the court, but he tamed the electricity to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

The reality of what’s facing the Timberwolves is creeping in as they head home for two games in the Western Conference finals.

Randle had been a major driver of Minnesota's push to the West finals. His struggles in Game 2 are one reason the Wolves are in trouble.

The Timberwolves enter the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder as underdogs, but they can still get the job done.

Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has learned from Jason Kidd, is from Saint Paul, Minnesota and stands on business. Described by league sources as someone who has an unrivaled work ethic, Sweeney is one of several candidates for the Phoenix Suns head coaching vacancy.

The Minnesota Timberwolves wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for Julius Randle, whom they acquired last summer from the New York Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.