Thunder Edge Timberwolves 128-126, Take 3-1 Series Lead
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a commanding performance, scoring 40 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Game 4 on Monday night. This victory not only marked a significant rebound from their previous 42-point loss but also propelled the Thunder to a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 34 points, shooting 13-for-24, including an impressive 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his skills in front of a hometown crowd. The Thunder's ability to fend off multiple attempts by the Wolves to equalize was crucial in this tightly contested matchup.
Gilgeous-Alexander's stat line also included 10 rebounds and nine assists, and he was particularly effective at the free-throw line, converting 12 of 14 attempts. With just 6.1 seconds remaining, he sank two free throws to extend the Thunder's lead to three points. The Wolves' Anthony Edwards was fouled shortly after, and his strategic miss on the second free throw was intercepted by Gilgeous-Alexander, who quickly sent the ball out of bounds to run down the clock.
With only 0.3 seconds left on the clock, the Wolves managed one final inbounds pass, which Williams intercepted, sealing the Thunder's victory and setting up a pivotal Game 5 back in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
Edwards struggled throughout the game, finishing with just 16 points, while Julius Randle was held to five points on a dismal 1-for-7 shooting performance. The Thunder's defense, spearheaded by Luguentz Dort, proved to be a formidable barrier for the Wolves.
Despite the challenges, Minnesota's bench provided a spark with Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 23 points and Donte DiVincenzo adding 21 points, both shooting 5 for 8 from three-point range. Their contributions kept the Wolves competitive throughout the game; however, the Thunder consistently countered their scoring bursts. Remarkably, Oklahoma City trailed for only 36 seconds during the entire game, all occurring in the first quarter.
Any doubts regarding how the Thunder would respond after their heavy defeat in Game 3 were quickly dispelled as Williams found his rhythm early, leading an impressive shooting start of 11-for-17 from the floor.
After struggling with a mere 28% shooting from three-point range in their first six playoff road games, the Thunder found their mark against Minnesota, hitting 16 of 37 attempts. This offensive resurgence put additional pressure on the Wolves' defense, particularly as Gilgeous-Alexander returned to form following a quieter outing in Game 3.
While the Thunder have displayed dominance throughout these playoffs, their performance away from Paycom Center has shown some vulnerability. They currently hold a strong postseason record of 7-1 at home with an impressive plus-191 scoring differential.
