The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a 42-point Game 3 loss, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-126 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on May 26, 2025, at the Target Center, securing a 3-1 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, sealing the win with two free throws with 6.1 seconds left, while Jalen Williams added 34 points, including 6-for-9 from three (per The Athletic). The Thunder, who forced 23 turnovers, now head home for a close-out Game 5 on Wednesday, one win away from their first NBA Finals since 2012 (per ESPN).
Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024-25 NBA MVP, went 12-for-14 from the free-throw line, while Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in his hometown, helping OKC overcome Minnesota’s bench scoring (64 points) led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker (23 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points), both 5-for-8 from three (per prior web results). Anthony Edwards was limited to 16 points, and Julius Randle struggled with 5 points on 1-for-7 shooting, as the Thunder’s defense, spearheaded by Luguentz Dort, held firm despite trailing for only 36 seconds (per ESPN). The Thunder’s 11 offensive rebounds in the first half set the tone for their resilience.
OKC’s 7-1 road record this postseason (plus-191 scoring differential) was tested, but their ability to answer Minnesota’s mini-runs—fueled by a 43.2% three-point shooting night (16-for-37, per The Athletic)—proved decisive. The Timberwolves, despite their bench heroics, couldn’t capitalize on their 51.2% field goal shooting, as Edwards noted the Thunder’s superior hustle (per prior recap). With Game 5 in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are poised to close out, while the Wolves face an uphill battle to extend the series.
Posted on May 27, 2025
