Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Heroics Push Thunder to Brink of NBA Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder’s superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a career-defining show in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, lifting his team to a razor-thin 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win puts OKC just one step away from their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade — since 2012.

The newly crowned MVP delivered an unforgettable performance, flirting with a triple-double as he dropped 40 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. According to both fans and analysts, it was arguably the most complete and clutch outing of his postseason career. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, especially in the closing seconds where he nailed five of six free throws, proved decisive in sealing the win.

The Mission: Finals is now closer than ever for Mark Daigneault’s young Thunder squad, which responded with poise and precision after a humiliating 42-point loss in Game 3. The team bounced back in style — holding the lead for most of Game 4 and never trailing after the first seven minutes. Oklahoma City’s biggest advantage stretched to 11 points in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves remained pesky till the final buzzer.

Supporting the MVP was rising star Jalen Williams, who turned in a sharp 34-point performance with 5 assists and 3 steals, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s most reliable second options. Towering rookie Chet Holmgren also chipped in efficiently with 21 points on 64% shooting.

Meanwhile, Minnesota’s offense once again hit a wall. Anthony Edwards, the Wolves’ supposed ace, continued his uneven playoff run. He ended the night with 16 points on a dismal 5-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-7 from deep. His low shot volume sparked postgame frustration. “I didn’t struggle at all,” the All-Star guard insisted, despite minimal impact during critical moments.

Former All-NBA forward Julius Randle had an even tougher night, finishing with just five points on 1-of-7 shooting. His limited involvement raised questions about his role, with Randle himself admitting, “I got to figure out a way to get myself involved.”

Still, the Timberwolves did find sparks in the supporting cast. Nickeil Alexander-Walker poured in 23 off the bench, while Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo added 22 and 21, respectively. Yet, it wasn’t enough to outlast the Thunder’s surgical offensive execution and tenacity on defense.

“We just wanted to control what we could,” said the MVP point guard postgame. “Tonight wasn’t perfect, but we stayed in the moment, and we got a W.”

Game 5 will now return to Oklahoma City, where a fired-up Paycom Center awaits what could be a historic night for the Thunder franchise. A victory there would propel them to the NBA Finals, setting up a showdown with either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks.

The message is loud and clear — the Thunder have arrived, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to lead them all the way.