Tue May 27 08:20:36 UTC 2025: ## Thunder Strike Timberwolves, Gilgeous-Alexander Explodes for 40 in Game 4 Victory
**MINNEAPOLIS** – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a playoff performance for the ages, scoring a career-high 40 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists, as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 on Monday night. The thrilling victory in Minneapolis gives the Thunder a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals series.
Jalen Williams chipped in with 34 points on an efficient 13-for-24 shooting, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points for Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander proved clutch in the final seconds, sinking 5 of 6 free throws to secure the win.
“SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) was unstoppable,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He just has an incredible feel for the game.
Despite a strong effort from Minnesota’s bench, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 23 points and Donte DiVincenzo’s 21, the Timberwolves couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points for Minnesota, but Anthony Edwards struggled, finishing with just 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows down the stretch. A highlight reel play saw Gilgeous-Alexander, falling down, thread a pass between McDaniels’ legs to find Williams for a crucial three-pointer, extending the Thunder’s lead late in the fourth quarter.
While the Timberwolves attempted a late rally, including a desperate missed free throw attempt by Anthony Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander secured the rebound and effectively iced the game.
The series now shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Wednesday night. The Thunder will have the opportunity to close out the series in front of their home crowd and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade. The Timberwolves, facing elimination, will need a herculean effort to extend the series.
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