Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career playoff-high 40 points, leading the Thunder to a thrilling 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. With the win, Oklahoma City secured a 3-1 series lead and stands one win away from a berth in the NBA Finals.
The Thunder’s active defense and efficient offense returned to form, forcing seven turnovers en route to a 37-30 lead at the first-quarter break. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards struggled, managing just 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, including 1 of 7 from three-point range. The Thunder will have a chance to clinch the series at home in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City set the tone early, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combining for 36 points by halftime. The Thunder repeatedly turned Timberwolves turnovers into offense and successfully penetrated Minnesota’s defense. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while Williams tallied 34 points, five assists, and two steals.
The Thunder’s defense, led by Luguentz Dort, effectively limited Edwards and Julius Randle. Edwards attempted just 13 field goals and scored 16 points with six assists. Randle was held to five points and seven rebounds on 1-of-7 shooting, missing all three of his three-point attempts.
Minnesota kept the game close with strong shooting from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo off the bench. Despite multiple runs by the Timberwolves, the Thunder responded each time, including an 8-0 run in the third quarter and a 5-0 burst in the fourth quarter, capped by a Jalen Williams three-pointer. Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the victory with five made free throws in the final 14.5 seconds.