Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a gritty, MVP-worthy performance on Monday night, finishing with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded from a blowout loss to edge the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Game 4. With the win, the Thunder now sit one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals.
“We got embarrassed last game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Tonight, I just lost myself in the competition—played aggressive and picked my spots.”
Jalen Williams was equally clutch, scoring 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. Chet Holmgren chipped in 21 points, seven boards, and three blocks in his hometown, helping Oklahoma City fend off multiple Timberwolves rallies.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit two crucial free throws with 6.1 seconds remaining to stretch the Thunder’s lead to three. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was then fouled with 3.5 seconds left but couldn’t convert a last-ditch effort to regain possession. Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed the rebound and flung it downcourt to drain the clock, and Williams intercepted a final desperation pass to seal the win.
Edwards, held to just 16 points, admitted, “They outplayed us, outrebounded us, got more 50-50 balls. They just wanted it more.”
Toronto’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker kept Minnesota competitive with 23 points and five threes, while Donte DiVincenzo added 21 points, also going 5-for-8 from long range. The Wolves’ bench contributed 64 points, but the Thunder never let them take control. Oklahoma City led nearly the entire game, trailing for only 36 seconds—all in the first quarter.
“We had to withstand some ridiculous shot-making,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “But the team stuck together and got it done.”
The Thunder set the tone early, shooting 11-for-17 to start the game and pulling down 11 offensive rebounds in the first half alone. Their defensive energy was just as crucial. Montreal’s Luguentz Dort helped contain Edwards and Julius Randle, who managed just five points on 1-for-7 shooting. The Thunder also forced 23 turnovers, offsetting the Wolves’ bench explosion.
Though the Thunder have dominated at home this postseason, going 7-1 at Paycom Center with a +191 point differential, Game 4 proved they can deliver on the road too.
Game 5 shifts back to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, where the Thunder will look to close out the series and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
