Thunder Snap Back from Disastrous Loss to Take 3-1 Lead in Western Conference Finals
In a thrilling Game 4 match, the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a 42-point drubbing to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered a phenomenal performance, notching 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
According to The Guardian, Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive display was a statement game, one that showcased his credentials as a potential NBA MVP. As The Guardian reported, "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a steely performance befitting the NBA MVP, and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped back from a 42-point loss by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Game 4 on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals."
The Thunder’s victory was a team effort, with Jalen Williams contributing 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including six three-pointers. Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in a statement game played in his hometown. As Williams noted, "Tonight I thought we did a good job of competing from the very start, and once you compete you give yourself a chance to win any game."
Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch free-throw shooting sealed the win for the Thunder, as he made a pair with 6.1 seconds left to stretch the lead back to three. The Thunder’s defense was relentless, limiting Anthony Edwards to just 16 points and Julius Randle to five points on 1-for-7 shooting.
The Timberwolves’ coach, Chris Finch, attributed Edwards’s poor performance in the first half to a lack of energy, stating, "The first-half he lagged a little too much. Second-half was much better." Despite the loss, the Timberwolves remain optimistic about their chances of advancing to the NBA finals.
The Thunder will return to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Wednesday, with a chance to advance to the NBA finals. As reported by The Guardian, the team’s impressive performance in Game 4 was a testament to their resilience and determination. With this win, the Thunder are one step closer to achieving their goal of reaching the NBA finals.
The NBA Western Conference finals have been marked by intense competition and thrilling performances. For more information on the NBA and its teams, readers can visit The Guardian’s dedicated sports section. The Guardian’s reporting on the NBA playoffs has provided in-depth analysis and commentary on the games.
In related news, The Guardian has been exploring the stories of small-market NBA teams and their successes. According to a recent article, "Connection, normalcy and fierce loyalty: why life is sweet on small market NBA teams" (The Guardian), these teams have been able to thrive despite the challenges they face. The article provides an in-depth look at the factors that contribute to the success of these teams.
The Guardian continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the NBA playoffs, including analysis, commentary, and live updates. For the latest news and updates on the NBA, readers can visit The Guardian’s website.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/26/thunder-timberwolves-game-4-nba-playoffs
This article is based on reporting by The Guardian and can be found at https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/26/thunder-timberwolves-game-4-nba-playoffs.
