Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass, pouring in a playoff career-high 40 points, along with 10 assists and nine rebounds, to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The win gives the Thunder a commanding 3-1 series lead, with Game 5 set for Wednesday in Oklahoma City, a potential closeout game that would send the franchise to its first NBA Finals since 2012.
“You know how close you are, but you’re still so far away,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Play to our identity on both ends of the floor. If we do that, we’ll be just fine. If not, it could get ugly.”
Jalen Williams was hot from deep, adding 34 points while going 6-of-9 from three-point range, and Chet Holmgren chipped in 21 points to round out a dominant performance by OKC’s young core.
“They were amazing,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his teammates. “They were confident. They weren’t rattled by the moment… I’m nothing but proud of these two.”
The Timberwolves, who have never reached the NBA Finals, found a spark in their bench, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 23 points and Donte DiVincenzo adding 21. Jaden McDaniels also contributed 22 points.
Despite the loss, Minnesota coach Chris Finch acknowledged the effort of his reserves.
“Give their role guys credit,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “The shotmaking was ridiculous, so for us to overcome that on the road the way we did was a great team win. We’re expecting their best punch in Game 5, so we have to play hard again if we want to win.”
