Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accepted the NBA MVP award on Thursday, then looked like one in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

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.

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Two more Thunder wins, and they're on to their first Finals since 2012.

A close game turned into a Thunder rout in the third quarter, when a 23-5 run put the game out of reach for Minnesota. The Timberwolves managed to cut the lead to 10 points later in the fourth quarter, but it was too late to pull off an Indiana Pacers-style comeback.

Instead, frustration boiled over for Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels, who gave Gilgeous-Alexander a shove from behind on a drive in the fourth quarter. When asked about the play after the game, McDaniels said, "I just wanted to foul him."

Behind an overwhelming night from Gilegous-Alexander (which, yes, included 15 free-throw attempts), the Thunder's supporting cast did its job. Jalen Williams had one of his good games in an up-and-down postseason, posting 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Chet Holmgren was the only other Thunder player to score in double figures, including a thunderous alley-oop as OKC took control.

Meanwhile, the defense held Minnesota to 41.4% shooting with 14 turnovers.

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Last year's Thunder team bowed out in the playoffs against a Dallas Mavericks team hitting its stride behind an incandescent Luka Dončić. The Timberwolves could have presented a similar challenge with Anthony Edwards (32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists), but OKC instead played a complete game.

Even in Game 1, when the Timberwolves had an early advantage, the Thunder never lost poise and also pounced in the third quarter of a 114-88 win. After facing a significant challenge last round against the Denver Nuggets, it's looking a lot easier for OKC. And it will be on Minnesota to simply make this a series.

Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday in Minnesota (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).