In a nail-biting Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder narrowly defeated the Timberwolves 128-126, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.
This victory came just two days after a humbling 42-point loss in Game 3, showcasing the Thunder’s resilience and adaptability.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s newly crowned MVP, led the charge with a stellar performance, amassing 40 points, 9 rebounds and ten assists.
As well as SGA, Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 34 points points, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points, providing the Thunder with a balanced offensive attack.
According to ESPN Research, the 95 points combined by Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren are the most by a Thunder trio in a playoff game since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.
SGA is pumped for what’s to come.
“It still has so much more room to grow, which is the scary part,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m 26, which seems old. They’re 23 and 24. They haven’t even gotten close to hitting their prime yet. Both of them are just out there playing on feel and their talent. I’m excited for the future.”
Coach Mark Daigneault said of Williams, “He’s still learning. He’s a young player still, and these are rich experiences for him. Tonight, he just kind of took what they gave him. He still found his cracks. He’s still able to get in both directions, but he just was in control most of the time. He never seemed sped up. He never seemed like they were dictating anything. That’s what the great offensive players can do and just a great adjustment by him tonight in the game.”
As the series heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, the Thunder are poised to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves face the daunting task of overcoming a 3–1 deficit, a feat achieved by only 13 teams in NBA history.
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