Thunder Take Commanding 3-1 Lead Over Timberwolves After Game 4 Thriller

Thunder’s Stars Shine as They Edge Timberwolves in Wild Game 4

This one was for the ages. In front of a fired-up Minneapolis crowd, the Oklahoma City Thunder squeezed out a nail-biting 128-126 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to claim a crucial 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals. Game 4 wasn’t just another playoff clash—it was a showcase of pure offensive fireworks and relentless grit, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stealing the spotlight in a big way.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s already having an electric postseason, dialed up 40 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. This wasn’t just a flashy stat line—it put his name alongside Michael Jordan on the list of most playoff games with 35+ points, 10+ assists, and 8+ rebounds. Every bucket and dime felt like a gut punch to the Timberwolves’ hopes of evening the series. Jalen Williams threw in 34 points himself, torching the net from deep by hitting 6 of his 9 three-point attempts. That duo felt unstoppable, especially in crunch time.

Minnesota didn’t go down quietly. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was their spark with 23 points and 6 assists, and he kept making big plays to keep the Wolves within striking distance. But Minnesota got undone by the same things that have tripped them up all series: turnovers and letting the Thunder crash the glass. The Thunder’s late offensive rebounds set up second-chance points, while careless giveaways turned into quick Thunder fast breaks. Coach Chris Finch didn’t shy away from calling it out, pointing straight to turnovers and rebounding woes as the reasons his team is backed against the wall.

Anthony Edwards tried sparking the team on the other end, turning up the defensive intensity early and never letting go, but his offense sputtered in the first half. That slow start forced Minnesota to fight uphill, catching up after almost every Thunder run. Despite that, the Wolves nearly tied things up in the final minutes, but the Thunder’s composure—especially from Gilgeous-Alexander—kept them from cracking.

Thunder Closing in on NBA Finals Berth

What makes the Thunder Thunder so dangerous is how quickly they bounce back. Just a game ago, Oklahoma City suffered a lopsided 143-101 defeat, with the Wolves looking like the more physical, confident squad. Most teams would still be licking their wounds, but the Thunder flipped the script. They showed up with poise and fire, erasing every memory of that blowout and leaning into the big-game atmosphere—something you wouldn’t expect from one of the NBA’s youngest rosters.

The Timberwolves now have their backs to the wall, staring at a must-win Game 5 in Oklahoma City. To keep the series alive, they’ll need more from their main guys and a total turnaround on the boards and in ball security. Minnesota’s hungry for their first NBA Finals appearance, but the Thunder hold all the momentum.

The showdown shifts back to OKC, with the Thunder one win from locking in a trip to the NBA’s biggest stage. If this game was any sign, we’re in for more fireworks next time out.