Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a commanding performance with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists—living up to his MVP status—as Oklahoma City rebounded from a 42-point blowout to edge Minnesota 128-126 in Game 4, taking a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Jalen Williams added 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including six three-pointers, while Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points, seven boards, and three blocks in a key homecoming performance. Their efforts helped the Thunder withstand multiple Timberwolves rallies and avoid a series-tying loss.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit 12 of 14 free throws, including two crucial ones with 6.1 seconds remaining to put OKC up by three. After fouling Anthony Edwards with 3.5 seconds left, SGA tracked down the rebound from Edwards’ intentionally missed second free throw and tossed it out of bounds to burn more time. Minnesota had one last chance with a 0.3-second inbounds play, but Williams secured the pass to seal the win and send the Thunder home for Game 5 with a shot at clinching a Finals berth.
Edwards was held to just 16 points, and Julius Randle struggled with five points on 1-of-7 shooting, stifled by OKC’s tenacious defense.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (23 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points) led a strong bench effort for the Wolves, each hitting five of eight from beyond the arc to keep the game competitive. However, OKC consistently responded to their runs and only trailed for 36 seconds, all in the first quarter.
After struggling from deep on the road earlier in the playoffs (28% in their first six games), the Thunder connected on 16 of 37 three-pointers. Despite their dominance, they’ve shown slight vulnerability away from Paycom Center, where they’re 7-1 this postseason with a +191 point differential.
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