The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from the NBA Finals after a thrilling 128–126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. This win gives the Thunder a 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 5 set to take place in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance, scoring 40 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. His leadership was instrumental in the Thunder’s ability to rebound from a 42-point loss in Game 3.
“I tried to just lose myself in the competition, be aggressive, pick my spots,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Jalen Williams contributed 34 points, shooting 13-for-24 from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point range. Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, providing a strong presence on both ends of the court.
This trio has been pivotal in the Thunder’s playoff run, showcasing a level of chemistry and maturity that belies their youth.
Timberwolves’ Late Rally Falls Short
The Timberwolves mounted a late comeback, narrowing a double-digit deficit to just two points in the final seconds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Minnesota with 23 points off the bench, while Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo added 22 and 21 points, respectively.
Anthony Edwards, who had a quiet first half, finished with 16 points, showing signs of life in the second half. Despite their efforts, the Timberwolves couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s resilience.
Controversial Ending Sparks Debate
The game’s conclusion was not without controversy. With 0.3 seconds remaining, a Thunder fan caught an errant pass from Gilgeous-Alexander, leading to a review and a slight adjustment of the game clock. The Timberwolves had a final opportunity, but their inbounds pass was intercepted by Jalen Williams, sealing the Thunder’s victory.
Additionally, Oklahoma City’s strategy of intentionally fouling while leading by three points reignited discussions about potential rule changes to discourage this tactic.
What’s Next
Game 5 will be a critical juncture for both teams. The Thunder have the opportunity to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, while the Timberwolves face elimination and must find a way to counter Oklahoma City’s momentum.
As the series returns to Oklahoma City, all eyes will be on whether the Thunder can capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure their place in the NBA Finals.
