Thunder Take Command: 5 Key Takeaways from OKC’s Game 4 Win Over Minnesota
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the charge as Oklahoma City moves within one win of the NBA Finals.
The Western Conference Finals finally delivered a thriller. After three lopsided games, Game 4 brought late-game drama, superstar performances, and a statement win for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
With a chance to close out the series at home, OKC is now just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. Here are five takeaways from a high-stakes night in Minneapolis:
- Shai Silences the Noise
After a subpar showing in Game 3, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered in superstar fashion. He nearly posted a triple-double with 39 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, dominating down the stretch with poise and precision.
Shai went 12-for-14 from the free-throw line and answered every Minnesota run with calm, calculated buckets. Target Center booed. He thrived.
“It’s your job to go out there and play basketball and shut them up,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “I enjoyed it, for sure.”
- OKC Shuts Down Anthony Edwards
The Thunder’s top-ranked defense zeroed in on Anthony Edwards, limiting him to just 16 points on 13 shots. He didn’t attempt a 3-pointer until the final six minutes, as Lu Dort and Alex Caruso blanketed him all night.
Coach Mark Daigneault’s game plan forced Edwards to play off-ball and pass out of tight traps — a stark contrast to his dominant Game 3 performance.
“They were shooting the gaps. I just didn’t get enough chances to shoot the ball,” Edwards admitted.
- Rough Night for Randle
Julius Randle had one of his worst playoff outings, scoring just 5 points with 5 turnovers in 28 minutes. The Thunder exposed his shaky handle, pressing him into rushed decisions and poor looks.
Without a true point guard to steady the offense, Minnesota’s reliance on Randle as a ballhandler backfired. Coach Chris Finch eventually benched him in favor of a more effective reserve unit.
- Jalen Williams Steals the First Half
Jalen Williams set the tone early, scoring 13 first-quarter points on his way to a 34-point night. While Minnesota keyed in on Shai, Williams made them pay with relentless drives and mid-range mastery.
His production gave OKC a balanced attack and kept Minnesota from shifting all its defensive attention to the MVP.
“He was in control most of the night,” Daigneault said. “That’s what great offensive players do.”
- Chet Holmgren Grows Up Fast
Rookie big man Chet Holmgren had his playoff moment, capping a clutch performance with a game-saving block on Jaden McDaniels in the final minute. His stat line: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, plus countless winning plays that don’t show up in the box score.
“I think Chet changed the game for them,” Edwards said. “Easy points, putbacks, rebounds — that was the difference.”
Up Next: Game 5 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals with a win Wednesday night (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Bottom Line: Oklahoma City’s depth, defense, and composure now have them on the doorstep of a championship stage. And if Game 4 is any indication, the moment isn’t too big for this young squad.
