Magic Johnson Issues Public Apology to Thunder Following NBA Finals Berth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 29, 2025 12:57 AM ET

From the opening tip on Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves and never looked back, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in a game-high 34 points.

The Thunder jumped out to a commanding 26-9 lead after the first quarter and ultimately cruised to a 124-94 victory, clinching the Western Conference Finals and punching their ticket to the NBA Finals. They now await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.

Following the win, the Thunder received high praise from NBA legend Magic Johnson, who previously expressed doubts about their ability to contend for a title due to their youth and inexperience.

However, Johnson took to social media after the game to own up to his earlier comments and give credit where it's due, as the Thunder are now the youngest team in league history to reach the finals.

“I want to apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder for underestimating them and not thinking they were ready to compete for a Championship,” Johnson wrote.

I want to apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder for underestimating them and not thinking they were ready to compete for a Championship.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 29, 2025

Oklahoma City has been the most consistent and dominant team in the NBA all season long. The Thunder finished the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Outside of being pushed to seven games by the defending champion Denver Nuggets, they’ve largely handled their business en route to the NBA Finals — now just four wins away from securing the franchise’s first championship since relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

Magic Johnson also made sure to give credit where it was due, praising head coach Mark Daigneault, general manager Sam Presti, and star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Western Conference Finals MVP.

"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 added. "Oklahoma City Thunder’s fan base needs to give their GM Sam Presti a standing ovation for putting together an amazing roster!"

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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