In a pivotal Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder surged past the Minnesota Timberwolves 128–126, seizing a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again demonstrated why he’s in the MVP conversation with a near triple-double, the night belonged just as much to second-year star Jalen Williams, whose standout performance earned glowing praise from his teammate and team leader.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied an astonishing 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, spoke candidly postgame about the role Williams played in sealing the hard-fought victory. “He’s fearless, and tonight he proved he’s built for these moments,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters. “He made shots when we needed them, and he didn’t shy away from the pressure.”
Williams delivered a career-high 34 points, shooting an efficient 12-of-18 from the field and knocking down six of his eight three-point attempts. His 14 points in the fourth quarter, including two clutch threes in the final minutes, proved instrumental in fending off a furious Timberwolves comeback. What stood out just as much as his scoring was Williams’ poise under pressure—especially given the stakes.
With the Thunder trying to rebound from a stinging 17-point loss in Game 3, Williams’ breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. His offensive explosion helped Oklahoma City survive a 36-point outing from Anthony Edwards and a late-game surge from Minnesota that nearly forced overtime. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited Williams’ development and chemistry with the core trio—including rookie standout Chet Holmgren—as key to the team’s ability to close out tight games.
The Thunder’s young roster has been the story of the postseason, and Game 4 added a new chapter to their rise. With Holmgren adding 21 points and three blocks, and Gilgeous-Alexander anchoring both ends of the floor, Oklahoma City has proven that their youth is not a limitation—it’s a weapon. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized this postgame, noting, “We’ve got guys that believe in each other. Jalen’s performance isn’t surprising to us. We’ve seen this in practice. Now the world is seeing it.”
Williams, known for his humility and team-first mentality, deflected the credit in his postgame comments. “We’re playing for each other,” he said. “Shai is the guy who sets the tone. Chet steps up every game. I just try to do my part when my number’s called.”
Oklahoma City’s win positions them one game away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden led the charge. While that team ultimately fell short against the Miami Heat, this current Thunder squad appears poised to make history of its own.
Game 5 returns to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder are unbeaten this postseason. The home crowd is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind a team that has surpassed all expectations. A victory would seal their place in the 2025 NBA Finals and potentially set up a matchup against the Boston Celtics or Indiana Pacers.
What’s clear is that this Thunder team is no longer “up-and-coming.” Led by the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the emergence of stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City is here—and they’re ready to contend.
As Gilgeous-Alexander put it best, “This is what we’ve worked for. This is why we believe.” And thanks to performances like Williams’ in Game 4, that belief is starting to look more like destiny.
Watch Shai’s Post Match Interview:
