The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder at the moment are only one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the primary time since 2012 after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Sport 4 of the Western Convention Finals on Monday night time.
The Thunder, who completed the common season with the perfect document (68 wins and 14 losses), now lead the sequence 3-1. They’ll seal the sequence in Sport 5 on Wednesday night time.
The staff confirmed why they’ve been so sturdy all season — combining strong defence, attacking energy, and robust teamwork.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams Shine
NBA Most Helpful Participant (MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the best way with a playoff career-best 40 factors and 10 assists. He was only one rebound away from a triple-double and made 5 free throws within the final 14.5 seconds to assist his staff safe the win.
Jalen Williams additionally performed a key function, scoring 34 factors — his highest ever in a playoff recreation. He scored 14 of these within the ultimate quarter and made two vital three-pointers late within the recreation to maintain the Thunder forward.
Robust Assist from Holmgren
Chet Holmgren added 21 factors for Oklahoma Metropolis, capturing 9-of-14 from the sphere. He additionally collected seven rebounds and blocked three pictures, displaying why the Thunder are ranked among the many greatest groups each in assault and defence.
Timberwolves Bench Impresses
Though the Timberwolves misplaced, their bench gamers carried out properly. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 factors, whereas Donte DiVincenzo added 21. Each made 5 three-pointers every. Naz Reid scored 11 factors, and Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in with 9.
Key Gamers Wrestle for Timberwolves
Minnesota’s star Anthony Edwards had a quiet recreation, scoring simply 16 factors and making solely one among seven three-point makes an attempt. Julius Randle additionally had one other poor displaying, managing solely 5 factors. His struggles continued from earlier video games within the sequence.
Turnovers Damage Timberwolves Once more
Turnovers as soon as once more value the Timberwolves. They misplaced the ball 23 occasions, which led to 22 factors for Oklahoma Metropolis. In earlier video games, turnovers additionally performed an enormous function in Minnesota’s defeats.
Late Fouls Safe Win for Thunder
Within the ultimate seconds, with Thunder main 126-123, Oklahoma Metropolis used sensible fouling ways to cease Minnesota from taking a game-tying shot. They fouled Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards, sending them to the free-throw line as an alternative. It helped Oklahoma Metropolis maintain on to their slender lead.
Sport 5 can be performed on Wednesday night time, and the Thunder may have the prospect to complete the sequence and e-book their place within the NBA Finals.
