Thunder Edge Timberwolves 128-126, Take Commanding 3-1 Lead in Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from the NBA Finals after a thrilling 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 on Monday night, securing a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA MVP, delivered a masterful performance with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, leading the Thunder to a hard-fought win in a game that showcased their resilience after a 42-point loss in Game 3.
Gilgeous-Alexander was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, going 12-for-14, including a crucial pair with 6.1 seconds left to extend the Thunder’s lead to three points. His composure shone in the final moments when, after Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards intentionally missed a free throw with 3.5 seconds remaining to keep possession, Gilgeous-Alexander secured the rebound in the corner and flung the ball out of bounds to drain the clock. The Wolves’ last-ditch inbounds pass with 0.3 seconds left was intercepted by Jalen Williams, sealing the win for OKC.
“It’s fun. It’s up there with being at home,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of silencing the Minnesota crowd. “It’s your job to go out there and play basketball and shut them up.”
Williams was equally instrumental, pouring in 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren, playing in his hometown, contributed 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, helping the Thunder withstand multiple comeback attempts by the Timberwolves.
Minnesota struggled to contain OKC’s stars, with coach Chris Finch noting, “They got to their spots and they rose up and made shots over us. But we’ve got to do a better job of trying to contain that first dribble like we did in Game 3, a much better job there.” The Wolves were led by Anthony Edwards, who was held to 16 points, while Julius Randle managed only five points on 1-for-7 shooting, stifled by the Thunder’s tenacious defense.
“They outplayed us, outrebounded us. Got more of the 50-50 balls,” Edwards admitted. “They wanted it a little more.”
The Thunder now head back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 28, with a chance to close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals.
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