Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a sensational performance to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 128-126 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, giving them a commanding 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals, MySportDab Reports.
The newly crowned NBA MVP erupted for a playoff career-high 40 points, along with 10 assists and nine rebounds, pushing OKC within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. The Thunder can clinch the series at home in Game 5 on Wednesday.
“We just have to be who we are and trust our work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “If we play to our identity, we’ll be fine.”
Jalen Williams supported with 34 points on 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 21 points. Oklahoma City’s aggressive approach paid off, forcing 21 Minnesota turnovers and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds.
Minnesota’s bench stepped up, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 23 and Donte DiVincenzo adding 21. Jaden McDaniels had 22 points, but Anthony Edwards was held to just 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, unable to find rhythm against a swarming Thunder defense.
Despite a late push, including a McDaniels three and clutch free throws from Gobert and Reid, Minnesota couldn’t complete the comeback. Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sealed the game with crucial late free throws, while the T-Wolves’ final inbounds play with 0.3 seconds left came up short.
“We knew we couldn’t give them second chances or turn the ball over that much,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch admitted. “We didn’t execute.”
The Thunder’s balanced attack and poise under pressure now place them just one win away from returning to the NBA’s grandest stage. Game 5 promises to be electric in Oklahoma City.
