In a game that defined playoff grit and postseason drama, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, edging them 128–126 in a nail-biter at the Target Center. With this crucial win, the Thunder take a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven series, placing them just one victory away from the 2025 NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
It was a star performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that once again powered the Thunder. The MVP candidate delivered a clutch performance, orchestrating the offense with poise and consistently hitting difficult shots under pressure. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to score in isolation, draw fouls, and set up his teammates kept Minnesota’s defense scrambling all night. Alongside him, Jalen Williams was equally pivotal, providing offensive bursts at critical moments, and finishing with a stellar shooting night.
The duo combined for over half of Oklahoma City’s total points, showcasing why the Thunder have become one of the most feared young teams in the league. Their chemistry and late-game decision-making proved decisive as the Timberwolves attempted a fourth-quarter comeback that fell just short.
Timberwolves Bench Shines, But Stars Struggle
Minnesota’s bench delivered a standout performance, contributing an impressive 54 points. Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kyle Anderson all stepped up in significant roles, providing scoring and energy that kept the Timberwolves within striking distance throughout the game. However, the team’s primary stars—Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle—struggled to find rhythm. Edwards, who had been electric in the earlier rounds, couldn’t replicate his previous performances, managing only 17 points deep into the fourth quarter. Randle, similarly, failed to leave his mark on the game, shooting inefficiently and finding difficulty against OKC’s perimeter defenders.
Without their usual offensive firepower, the Timberwolves leaned heavily on their second unit and defensive schemes, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Oklahoma City’s persistent attack.
Thunder’s Composure Down the Stretch
As the game tightened in the closing minutes, it was Oklahoma City’s composure that stood out. Head coach Mark Daigneault’s system, focused on pace, spacing, and team defense, held firm under intense pressure. The Thunder avoided costly turnovers, executed in the half court, and forced Minnesota into contested shots on critical possessions.
Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the game with a pair of clutch free throws, followed by a defensive stand that prevented Minnesota from getting a clean look at the buzzer. It was a textbook example of playoff poise from one of the league’s youngest rosters.
What’s Next for Both Teams
With a 3–1 lead, the Thunder now have a golden opportunity to close out the series at home in Game 5. Their home-court advantage has been formidable throughout the postseason, and with the momentum clearly on their side, the odds are in their favor to advance to their first NBA Finals since 2012.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, find themselves in a must-win situation. They will need significantly more from their stars and must recapture the intensity that led them to a dominant first-round series. Defensive adjustments, quicker rotations, and more consistent offensive execution will be critical if they hope to keep their championship hopes alive.
Final Thoughts
Thunder vs Timberwolves Game 4 delivered everything fans could hope for—intensity, star power, and late-game drama. Oklahoma City’s youth and resilience were on full display, and they now stand one win away from writing a new chapter in their franchise’s history. Minnesota will need its best effort of the season to turn the tide. Game 5 promises to be another electrifying battle, with everything on the line.
